Hundreds of workers at Bellingham, Wash.-based PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and its labs were set to strike May 13 following a breakdown in negotiations over wages and health benefits for a three-year contract, according to The Bellingham Herald.
Here are three things to know about the strike and negotiations.
1. Workers going on strike include nursing assistants, lab technicians, dietary staff, unit secretaries, and hospital housekeeping. They are all represented by SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.
2. In preparation for the walkout, Vancouver, Wash.-based PeaceHealth hired temporary workers through an agency that requires a minimum three-day contract, according to the healthcare provider.
3. Employees said they've tried to negotiate their first contract with PeaceHealth St. Joseph for more than 18 months, according to the report.
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