PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Techs Ratify
First-Ever Contract with AFT
VANCOUVER, WA—After more than a year of
negotiations, X-ray, pharmacy and radiology technicians and respiratory
therapists at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver ratified a first
contract that includes paid education leave, increased job security, improved
benefits for “per diem” employees and higher wages.
“This contract is a win for workers, a
win for patients and a win for PeaceHealth, and it demonstrates what is
possible when health professionals have the freedom to come together to bargain
on behalf of themselves and their patients,” said AFT President Randi
Weingarten. “PeaceHealth techs won higher wages, job security and opportunities
to gain new skills, which will make it easier for the hospital to recruit and
retain staff, will empower staff to advocate on behalf of their patients, and
will improve patient care.”
The AFT represents more than 2,500
healthcare professionals at PeaceHealth in Vancouver and more than 130,000
across the country. The AFT has 98 percent density with nurses in the
PeaceHealth system throughout Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Because of the
wins by nurses at PeaceHealth, techs and other workers sought out the AFT to
strengthen their voice. Nurses at PeaceHealth recently ratified a contract with
increased job security and higher wages, and the hospital’s service and
maintenance professionals are in negotiations.
“PeaceHealth Southwest techs, families
and patients will benefit for years to come from this contract,” said
PeaceHealth CT scan tech Eric Quinn.
Respiratory therapist Carmen Lohkamp
said of the contract, “We are proud of our contract. The education
benefits will provide opportunities for our members to grow professionally,
and this contract will change lives for the better.”
Follow
AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
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