Candlelight vigil at Kadlec

Healthcare workers are shining a light on the need for a strong union contract and investment in care by Providence 

The following is from SEIU Healthcare 1199NW:

RICHLAND, WA (July 8, 2024) – Service and technical healthcare workers united in SEIU Healthcare 1199NW at Kadlec, including nursing assistants, environmental service workers, sterile processing and OR technicians, nutrition and dietary workers, among other job classes, will hold a candlelight vigil on Monday, July 8 to shine a light on the need for a strong union contract with real investments to recruit and retain experienced caregivers to provide the Tri-Cities community safe patient care. 

Healthcare workers at Kadlec showing their solidarity. Photo: SEIU Healthcare 1199NW via Twitter/X

The workers at Kadlec began bargaining with Providence, Kadlec’s parent corporation, in January 2024. The union workers have proposed a wage scale that mirrors the investment that Providence has made in Providence Swedish, but the two sides are far apart on key issues surrounding pay, workplace protections, a voice in benefits, and staffing strategies.

In May, the workers voted to authorize their bargaining team to bring their fight for a fair contract to the public, and to call for a strike if necessary. The workers held a powerful informational picket on May 28. Their next bargaining session is on July 9. 

Community members are invited to join Kadlec healthcare workers at the vigil to stand with them, learn more about their fight for a strong union contract, and add their voices to the workers’ call: “Same employer, same work, same pay.”     

TAKE A STAND — join healthcare workers TODAY, Monday, July 8 at 8pm at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, in front of the hospital (Swift Blvd.) 

SEIU Healthcare 1199NW is a union of nurses and healthcare workers with over 33,000 caregivers throughout hospitals, clinics, mental health, skilled home health and hospice programs in Washington state and Montana. SEIU Healthcare 1199NW’s mission is to advocate for quality care, good jobs, and economic empowerment for all. Learn more.