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PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center prepares for upcoming union strike

Bellingham, WALocal News

Workers at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center are set to strike for five days starting May 12, affecting various roles such as CNAs, imaging technicians, and trauma registrars. The union representatives have voiced critical concerns regarding wages, understaffing, and limited time for patient care, with contract negotiations remaining unresolved for eight months. Joe Crane, UAPD Washington State Organizing Coordinator, highlighted ongoing patient safety issues that have been ignored by PeaceHealth. In response, PeaceHealth has secured temporary replacement workers to maintain service during the strike, emphasizing their commitment to safe and quality care.

The organization expressed disappointment over the strike but affirmed the workers' right to protest. Nurses will not participate, as they belong to a different union. The situation underscores broader labor disputes in healthcare, reflective of national trends regarding worker rights and safety. The outcome of this strike may influence future negotiations and labor relations in the region.

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