It was a difficult negotiation process for service and maintenance workers at Washington Hospital. Facing attacks on wages, seniority, and other basic union rights, workers even voted to send a strike notice in case they were not able to reach an agreement. A community rally, which included USW and Central Labor Council members, showed our strength and community support.
During a 30-hour negotiating session at the end of January, an agreement was reached, and workers voted to ratify the new contract by 92%. The agreement includes the significant victories of across-the-board raises that are not tied to discipline and maintaining the 13-hour clause. Raises will be 5.5% over 3 years, a tremendous improvement from earlier proposals, and will allow healthcare to remain affordable.
It was a difficult negotiation, but we were able to keep pushing and in the end have ensured Washington Hospital will continue offering quality care and jobs that our community deserves!