Unionized nurses in Bellingham reject proposed contract with PeaceHealth

Unionized nurses in Bellingham, Washington, have decisively rejected a proposed contract with PeaceHealth that was designed to extend through 2028. The Washington State Nurses Association announced that over 84% of its members participated in the vote, which is a record turnout for the union. The rejected agreement included an immediate 4. 25% raise for all members, in addition to a $1 hourly increase for nurses with fewer than nine years of experience. Furthermore, the contract promised an additional 4% raise in each of the following two years.

Despite the bargaining team's recommendation to accept the contract, members expressed significant discontent with the terms. The union has initiated contact with PeaceHealth management to resume negotiations, although they may not occur until mid-April. In the meantime, the bargaining team has warned that nurses will face wage losses until a new contract is reached. PeaceHealth has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the situation.