Nurses represented by United Food and Commercial Workers 3000 have rejected a tentative labor contract reached earlier this month with Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (Wash.).
On Dec. 15, hundreds of nurses voted on the tentative deal, which would have provided a 21.5% wage increase over three years, along with other staffing support, hospital officials said in a statement shared with Becker's. More than half of voting nurses (51%) (463 out of 893 cast ballots) rejected the tentative agreement and also rejected strike authorization by 47% (425 out of 893 cast ballots), according to the union. A two-thirds threshold was needed to authorize a strike.
"We are disappointed that 51% of our nurses voted to reject the contract," hospital officials said. "It is critical that we reach an agreement with the union. Without a ratified contract, PRMCE is hindered in its ability to retain our existing nurses and recruit new nurses to Snohomish County."
Nurses reached the tentative agreement with Providence Regional Medical Center Everett on Dec. 1 following a five-day strike in November. The union and hospital began negotiating a new labor contract in April.
According to the union, a majority of nurses voted against the agreement because they believe it "will not do enough to resolve our staffing challenges, but it is a step in the right direction. Our skepticism toward Providence's resolve to address staffing issues is loud and clear."
The union also said it will "be continuing our quest for improved staffing levels crucial to delivering the quality care our patients and community deserve. Since the beginning, our unwavering dedication to refining staffing language, amplifying our voices within the Hospital Staffing Committee, and aligning with staffing law guidelines has been steadfast."
"PRMCE remains resolute in bargaining in good faith with UFCW to reach agreement on a contract that will provide our valued nurses the wage increases they deserve and the needed staffing support at the bedside," hospital officials said.
Hospital officials said Providence Regional Medical Center Everett expects to return to the bargaining table early in the new year.