In a huge victory for healthcare workers at PeaceHealth Southwest, Diet Representatives have officially won their union election, joining the Service and Maintenance unit of OFNHP, AFT Local 5017. This victory brings 34 essential workers into the union, giving them a collective voice to fight for fair wages, job protections, and respect on the job.
Diet Representatives play a critical, often overlooked, role in patient care — taking food orders, ensuring dietary needs are met, and delivering meals to patients throughout the hospital. They are a vital part of the healthcare team, and now they’ll have the collective power to bargain over the conditions that directly affect their lives and their ability to care for patients.
Next week, members will hold a meeting to form their bargaining team and begin preparing for contract negotiations, where wages will be a top priority. This is a massive, hard-fought win — congratulations to all involved!
This election win highlights the growing movement of healthcare workers standing up for their rights and demanding a seat at the table. It sends a clear message to hospital leadership that every job in healthcare matters, and every worker deserves dignity, fair pay, and a safe, supportive work environment.