Hundreds of PeaceHealth nurses plan to picket for new contract

Hundreds of unionized nurses in Bellingham, Washington, are gearing up for an informational picket outside PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center on April 29 if a new contract is not reached. The Washington State Nurses Association highlights health insurance and wages as critical issues in the stalled negotiations, along with a pervasive sense of disrespect from management. In a statement, PeaceHealth spokesperson Amy Drury emphasized the organization's commitment to fair bargaining, proposing wage increases between 12% and 30% over the next three years. The nurses recently voted to reject the hospital’s latest contract offer, and their previous contract expired on March 31.

Both sides are set to meet for further negotiations on April 17 and 18. This labor dispute surfaces amid rising tensions, as the hospital's service and technical workers have also voted to authorize a strike. The outcome of these negotiations is crucial, not only for the nurses but for the quality of care provided to the community. As negotiations continue, the focus remains on reaching a sustainable agreement that benefits both caregivers and the hospital.