Swedish and SEIU back to bargaining after three-day strike
SEATTLE — For the first time in nearly a month, Swedish Medical Center and the union representing nearly 8,000 of its employees are back bargaining for a new contract, but they’re not meeting face-to-face — yet.
Per the recommendation of a federal mediator, both sides swapped proposals for a new deal through the intermediary because emotions are still high following the three-day strike in late January across all Swedish campuses, including Edmonds.
“We remain committed to bargaining in good faith with (the union) to reach an agreement that reflects our sincere efforts to address staffing concerns and provide our caregivers with wages and benefits that ensure Swedish remains a leader among health care employers in this market,” the health care provider said in a news release Tuesday.
Swedish and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW have been bargaining for a new deal since April. The union is calling for increased staffing and wages. Members say the standard of care started to decline when Providence Health & Services acquired Swedish in 2012.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/swedish-and-seiu-back-to-bargaining-after-three-day-strike/?utm_source=DAILY+HERALD&utm_campaign=29ae2b591e-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d81d073bb4-29ae2b591e-228635337
