PeaceHealth nurses in Bellingham reach tentative agreement for new contract

Nurses at PeaceHealth in Bellingham have reached a tentative agreement for a new contract effective until 2028. The deal includes an immediate $4. 25 hourly wage increase for all nurses and approximately 3% raises in each of the next two years. The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) reports this as the highest wage increase in the bargaining unit's history. Voting on the contract will commence on May 22 and close the following evening, with the union encouraging a “Yes” vote.

This agreement comes after two separate unions of service workers and physicians recently ended a five-day strike while continuing their negotiations. In March, the previous contract proposal was overwhelmingly rejected by union members, highlighting the significance of the current agreement. The results of the vote will directly impact nurses' compensation and working conditions at PeaceHealth. This development reflects ongoing labor negotiations within the healthcare sector in Washington State.