THE VOTES ARE IN...AND WE UNANIMOUSLY RATIFIED OUR NEW CONTRACT!
We turned out to vote to ratify our new contract on Friday, June 13. The results were a resounding "YES!" for better wages, affordable healthcare, more career opportunities, respect on the job and more!
“This new raise will keep me here at SNLH and be paid what I’m worth instead of accepting a job at OHSU.”
1) Improved wages and differentials!
The biggest across the board raises ever at SNLH: Everyone will get a minimum of 5% this year, 4% next year, and 3.5% in 2027.
Most job classifications will get an additional market increase to equalize their wages with SPCH.
Wages that don’t fall behind: Workers at SPCH bargain next year, if they negotiate higher wages, management has agreed to renegotiate wages in Lincoln City to keep them equal.
Quicker step progression: The contract eliminates longevity steps which made some members go two years between step increases. Everyone will now get a step each year until they reach the top.
Increases to shift differentials: Evening shift to $2 or 6% for techs. Noc shift to $2.75 and $3 after 4 years on nocs, 10% for techs, 12% after 4 years.
Increased call pay: Call pay will jump to $5.25 an hour/$5.50 on holidays
Increased certification bonus to $600
2) More opportunities for training and advancement!
SNLH agreed to join the Ed Fund which will significantly expand opportunities for education and training. The Ed Fund pays for CEUs, licensing, college classes and pathways to new careers in health care and includes career counseling and support. SEIU members at other Samaritan hospitals are already using this exciting benefit.
3) Stronger rights and more:
More notice before layoff or restructures
Stronger bereavement leave
Nondiscrimination and mutual respect are in the contract.
Stronger union rights to keep members informed and involved.
4) Affordable healthcare!
Same insurance rates as SPCH: Your bargaining team pushed to limit insurance cost increases. Management was pushing for bigger increases in 2028 which we did not agree to. Insurance rates for 2028 will match what workers at SPCH agree to in their contract. Lower wage members will continue to recieve a subsidy to reduce the premium costs.
Insurance costs and plan design are major concerns for all Samaritan workers. Next year SEIU members at GSRMC, AGH and SPCH are bargaining and will need support of SNLH workers to win insurance improvements.
We’re modernizing & strengthening SEIU 49 for the future!
It's time to update our Constitution & Bylaws, and we are calling on all members to cast your vote. Join us in Portland on August 27 or one of our Labor Day picnics on September 1 in Portland and Springfield. Get more details and RSVP at https://www.seiu49.org/union-strong-for-the-future
