Kadlec nurses picket for workplace violence prevention, break relief, wages
Following 18 bargaining sessions with limited progress, hundreds of nurses picketed outside Kadlec Regional Medical Center on Jan. 26, saying stronger contract language is needed to address mounting safety and staffing concerns.
This story appears in the February 2026 edition of The Washington Nurse.
February 17, 2026 •
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Hundreds of nurses picketed outside Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where WSNA is bargaining for a new contract, on Jan. 26. The informational picket was held after 18 bargaining sessions.
The key issues:
- Stronger measures to prevent — not just react to — a growing number of instances of workplace violence.
- Consistent break relief.
- Wages comparable to those for nurses at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, which, like Kadlec, is part of Providence Health, is also a Level II Trauma Center, and where the cost of living is comparable.
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Hundreds of nurses picketed outside Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where WSNA is bargaining for a new contract, on Jan. 26.Credit: WSNA/Matt Vivion -
Kelsi Duncan on the bargaining team at the picket on Jan. 26Credit: WSNA/Matt Vivion -
Hundreds of nurses picketed outside Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where WSNA is bargaining for a new contract, on Jan. 26.Credit: WSNA/Matt Vivion -
Hundreds of nurses picketed outside Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where WSNA is bargaining for a new contract, on Jan. 26.Credit: WSNA/Matt Vivion -
Hundreds of nurses picketed outside Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where WSNA is bargaining for a new contract, on Jan. 26.Credit: WSNA/Matt Vivion -
Hundreds of nurses picketed outside Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where WSNA is bargaining for a new contract, on Jan. 26.Credit: WSNA/Matt Vivion -
Hundreds of nurses picketed outside Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where WSNA is bargaining for a new contract, on Jan. 26.Credit: WSNA/Matt Vivion -
Hundreds of nurses picketed outside Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where WSNA is bargaining for a new contract, on Jan. 26.Credit: WSNA/Matt Vivion
Local media amplified the Kadlec nurses’ messages to the community, with extensive coverage on TV, on radio, and in the newspaper. Here are some highlights.
- KNDU (NonStop Local), Jan. 26 — Washington State nurses protest for safe working conditions.
- KVEW (Apple Valley News Now), Jan. 27 — Kadlec nurses hold informational picket over safety concerns, contract negotiations.
- KEPR TV, Jan. 26 — Nurses picket at Kadlec Regional Medical Center over safety, staffing, and breaks.
- Tri-City Herald, Jan. 26 — Picketing Kadlec nurses report 100+ violent attacks, weapon incidents in hospital.