Olympia, WA – registered Nurses at Capital Medical Center are intensifying contract negotiations with management, seeking improvements to staffing levels, compensation, and working conditions as talks enter a critical phase. UFCW 3000, representing the nurses, reports critically important progress on non-economic items but remains at odds with hospital management over key financial proposals.
The bargaining team, led by Bonnie Verellen, dennis Verellen, and Cindy Dixon, presented a comprehensive set of demands during a session on September 19th, outlining priorities essential for both nurse retention and quality patient care. These include better staffing solutions, incentive pay for open shifts, competitive wages and benefits, improved on-call report pay, and increases to existing premiums.
“These proposals are not minor details-they are critical to recruiting and retaining nurses at our hospital,” the union stated in a recent update to members. Nurses are also pressing for wage and benefit parity with Providence St. Peter Hospital’s recently ratified contract, arguing that failing to remain competitive will exacerbate existing staffing challenges.
Further bargaining sessions are scheduled for the evenings of September 23rd and 25th. UFCW 3000 is urging members to demonstrate support by wearing union buttons and colors, discussing the issues with colleagues, and preparing for potential action if negotiations stall.
Members seeking more information or wishing to get involved are encouraged to contact the bargaining team or Kimberly Starkweather at (206) 436-6515.
