On June 21, members of UFCW Local 3000 who work at Tri-Cities Community Health in Pasco, Wash., ratified their first union contract by a unanimous vote. The 15 workers are employed as registered nurses.
The three-year contract includes two wage increases each year of the contract, annual merit bonuses, and a competitive wage scale. The contract also includes a grievance process and a continuing education reimbursement.
“Sitting across from management and building a brand-new first contract that could address our top issues and lay the foundation for a strong union was a lot of work, but we’re really proud of what we accomplished,” said Karen Engel, a registered nurse and bargaining team member. “Nurses needed not just wage increases and job security, but a real voice at work and the chance to make an impact on the future of our workplace. Forming our union at Tri-Cities Community Health was about accountability and equity along with improving our pay, benefits, and working conditions.”