PHOTOS PeaceHealth workers hold picket outside St. Joseph Medical Center

On April 29, hundreds of unionized nurses in Bellingham, WA, staged an informational picket outside PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center as negotiations for a new contract remain stalled. The WSNA, representing 1,100 nurses, identified wages and health insurance as major points of contention. Union representatives emphasized that the action was not a strike and did not affect hospital services. In response, PeaceHealth expressed its commitment to good faith bargaining and announced a proposed average wage increase of 14% over three years.

This would result in salaries ranging from $95,321 to $160,675 by the contract's third year. The nurses also voiced concerns regarding a lack of respect from management during negotiations. The upcoming bargaining session is set for May 16, underlining the urgency of reaching an agreement. The situation reflects broader challenges in healthcare labor relations amid rising costs and staffing issues.