Dozens of community groups, elected leaders sign letter of support in lead-up to “Patients before Profits” picket June 27
TACOMA -- (June 21, 2016) Support is pouring in from labor organizations, elected leaders and individuals for the registered nurses at MultiCare Tacoma General and their fight for safe patient care. Over 1,000 individuals have signed petitions calling on Tacoma General to put “Patients before Profits,” and hundreds have added their personal comments. Additionally, dozens of community members have signed on to a letter of support, stating that:
“As members of this community, we call on MultiCare Tacoma General to respect their nurses and bargain in good faith to ensure that patients at Tacoma General get the safe, high quality care they deserve.”
Hundreds of nurses and community members are expected at an informational picket for the 730+ registered nurses at MultiCare Tacoma General on June 27, from 2-7 p.m. (speakers and rally from 4-5 p.m.)
Those signing the letter of support so far include: State Sen. Jeannie Darneille, State Representatives Jake Fey and Laurie Jinkins; Jeff Johnson, President, and Lynne Dodson, Secretary-Treasurer, of the Washington State Labor Council; the Pierce County Central Labor Council, the Tacoma Human Rights Commission; and dozens of labor unions, including AFSCME Locals 120 and 270, MEBA (Marine Engineers), IAFF (Fire Fighters), IBEW 483 and 77 (Electrical Workers), OPEIU 277 (Office & Professional), IUPAT 1094 (Painters & Allied Trades), IFPTE Local 17 (Professional & Technical), IUOE 289 (Operating Engineers), IBT-Teamsters 117, CWA 37083 and 7818 (Communication Workers), AFT-WA (Education), UFCW 21 (Food and Commercial Workers), WA Building Trades, APRI (A. Philip Randolph Institute – Black Trade Unionists) and CBTU (Coalition of Black Trade Unionists).
Individual messages from nurses and community members have been highlighted in our “Hey, Bill” campaign on social media (www.facebook.com/NursingStrongTG), including:
- “Do what’s right! Without your high-quality nurses, you would be lost.”
- “Stop giving yourself raises and bonuses and staff your hospital safely”
- “Stop the insanity! Patient safety is our #1 priority. Start thinking about people not profit.”
Contract negotiations, which have been going on since December 2015, have been marked by numerous Unfair Labor Practice complaints by WSNA. The 10th and 11th bargaining sessions are scheduled for June 28 and July 7.
About WSNA
WSNA is the leading voice and advocate for nurses in Washington state, providing union representation and trainings that allow nurses to reach their full professional potential and focus on caring for patients. WSNA represents more than 17,000 registered nurses who provide care in hospitals, clinics, schools and community and public health settings across the state.