Following months of negotiations, caregivers at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and clinics ratified strong new second contracts by overwhelming majorities.
Throughout the contract campaign, union members showed real solidarity by rocking the OFNHP red and showing up to support the bargaining team at "Red the Halls" and "Red the Sidewalk" actions. Union members even made the news in October by marching to the hospital administration building as a "Sea of Red."
In the face of many proposed takeaways, the tech and service bargaining teams were determined to bargain an agreement that would move caregivers forward on the top priorities union members identified in bargaining surveys, like boosting wages and improving staffing and PTO.
"Both our bargaining committees were laser-focused on what the members wanted," said OFNHP president and chief negotiator Adrienne Enghouse.
"We were able to hold firm because every time we came to the bargaining table, we knew we carried with us the strength of 1200 tech and service workers at this hospital," said Service Chair Jodi Atteberry.
The new contracts for tech and service members include strong raises, PTO improvements, and a new process for addressing staffing issues. But their biggest achievement was building their union in the worksites.
"This year's bargaining efforts showed off the tremendous growth that the OFNHP units have achieved over the past two years," Tech chair Eric Quinn reflected.
"I am so proud of the dedication our bargaining teams showed and the way that our members supported us by REDing up for actions in the field. We put management on notice with our collective power, and we will continue to fight for what is right for our patients and our community. Always forward! Congratulations, OFNHP!"