Healthcare workers to begin voting on tentative agreement with Providence
SPOKANE, Wash. — Nurses and healthcare workers at Sacred Heart will begin voting Thursday on a tentative agreement reached with Providence.
The vote comes after a year of negotiations over staffing, compensation, and sick leave.
READ: Sacred Heart nurses vote overwhelmingly to go on strike
The tentative agreement includes enhanced staffing levels, significant wage increases of 10% over the duration of the contract, and improved safety standards for workers.
It also includes protection of paid time off and extended illness benefits, as well as a ratification bonus of $2,100, pro-rated for part-time nurses.
The Washington State Nurses Association and UFCW 21 were prepared to announce a strike date earlier this month, but progress in negotiations moved them to postpone an announcement.
READ: Providence, healthcare workers reach tentative agreement
In a release, a spokesperson with UFCW 21 said, “We showed that through unity, and a commitment to our patients and each other that we could win a fair contract that is better for patient care and safety, better for staffing and better for the future of our hospitals.”
Sacred Heart service and maintenance workers will vote on Thursday from 6-9 a.m., 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., 2-4 p.m., and 5-8 p.m. at Holy Angels, located at 101 W. 8th Ave, in the Emilie Room.
Nurses with Providence and Holy Family will vote at the same times on Friday, but in the HEC, located at 5633 N Lidgerwood St, in rooms 2 and 3.
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