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Kadlec forces early strike kickoff

Union workers to file additional ULP charges against Providence Kadlec as workers were escorted out by security ahead of the indicated 6 a.m. strike

RICHLAND, WA (August 20, 2024) — Healthcare workers in service and tech job classes at Kadlec united in SEIU Healthcare 1199NW began their unfair labor practice strike Tuesday ahead of the planned 6 a.m. start time when Providence security escorted out workers on night shift. The union has indicated it will be filing an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB today, asserting that the move by the employer to force an early start to the unfair labor practice strike represents a violation of the National Labor Relations Act.

The union notified Kadlec and parent corporation Providence on August 9 that the workers would begin withholding their labor on Tuesday, August 20 at 6 a.m.; workers personally delivered the legally required 10-day notice to Kadlec CNO Kirk Harper.

Photo: SEIU Healthcare 1199NW via Facebook

“This morning at 4:45, our manager and supervisor asked us to leave, despite our willingness to continue caring for our patients until the planned strike at 6 a.m.” said Melissa Spang, an ICU health unit coordinator. “My coworkers and I made it clear that we were prepared to work until the strike officially began, but our managers insisted we leave early and we were walked out by security. It’s incredibly disappointing that Providence is choosing to force us out prematurely instead of taking meaningful steps to reach a fair contract.”

By withholding their labor, the workers are denouncing Providence’s bad-faith bargaining and refusal to settle a strong contract with investments in wages and staffing that respect frontline workers’ experience, no matter where they work in the Providence system.

“This morning’s actions by Providence can be added to a long list of indicators that the employer’s conduct, both at and away from the bargaining table, demonstrates a lack of interest in reaching a contract — the hallmark of bad-faith bargaining.” said Jane Hopkins, RN, president of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.

The workers are energized and committed to continuing their action as planned. Union members, labor supporters, and the broader Tri-Cities community are invited to join the workers on the picket line through August 26 and add their voices to the workers’ call to Providence: same employer, same work, same pay.

You can RSVP to a picket shift or donate to the workers’ strike fund on the SEIU Healthcare 1199NW website.

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