Fresenius Kidney Care nurses, techs need community support

The following is from the Washington State Nurses Association:

TACOMA (Aug. 23, 2022) — Fresenius Kidney Care workers in Tacoma, Gig Harbor and Puyallup have been trying to negotiate fair contracts against a wealthy international corporation that is employing union busting tactics.

Nurses represented by the Washington State Nurses Association and techs represented by UFCW 3000 have had five half-day negotiation sessions since their contracts expired June 21. Management refuses to hold all-day negotiations and is currently offering measly raises that don’t even come close to covering inflation.

Meanwhile, out-of-state Fresenius executives have gotten a 40 percent increase since the pandemic began.

Given inflation in the greater Puget Sound area, these low wage proposals are not only out of step with the kinds of raises other area facilities are offering to retain workers, but they also amount to a reduction in pay versus inflation.

TAKE A STAND — This small group of health care workers, battling an out-of-state international corporation, need all of the labor and community support they can get! Please show your support by signing their community petition calling on Fresenius to “reach a fair contract with the nurses and technicians who provide specialized care for one of our nation’s most vulnerable patient populations.”