Little to no movement was made in reaching a fair contract during our session on the 27^th of June. The employer is maintaining its position on 1.5% in each year of the contract as well as random drug screening and mandatory flu shots. The employer has also rejected our staffing language that would ensure nurses have a meaningful say in staffing conditions that would ensure safe patient care. Despite Astria’s “commitment towards bringing our hospital to a sustainable state”, their actions have made it clear that retention, recruitment, and safe staffing is not part of that vision. The Medical Center has reported that there are 80 vacant nursing positions and that they have spent approximately $3 million on agency nurses in the last 9 months. The employer’s proposals do not demonstrate a commitment to safe staffing or patient care.

Let administration know that you support a contract that promotes patient safety, a healthy working environment, and fair wages by speaking to your negotiation team members and signing our petition.

In Solidarity, Your Negotiation Team: Herbie Aganda, Evette Runyon, Mark McFeeley, Laurie Robinson, Ty Fotheringill.

Questions?? Call your Nurse Rep Jayson Dick MBA, BSN, RN 1-206-858-2139.