Still no new contract for Kadlec nurses

Kadlec Regional Medical Center nurses still don’t have a new contract after months of negotiations, and they plan meetings Dec. 7-8 to discuss their next steps.

That could include an advisory vote on the possibility of a strike.

“While we do not want to reach that point, the (Washington State Nurses Association) bargaining team has heard loud and clear from members that management’s proposal to take nearly $1 million per year in paid time off and the extended illness bank is not something that (the nurses want),” the association said in a statement.

“It is critical that our members have the opportunity at this juncture to discuss and weigh in on potential next steps,” the statement said.

The association represents about 800 registered nurses in contract talks with the Richland hospital.

In a statement, Kadlec officials said they aren’t discussing details “to respect the process and keep the talks at the table.”

“Kadlec remains committed to negotiating in good faith with WSNA. We believe together with our nurses we can come to a successful resolution to this process. Our nurses are key members of our caregiver team, and we look forward to coming to an agreement on a new contract,” the statement said.

“We all share the same goal of making sure that we continue to provide high-quality, compassionate care to our community,” the statement said.

The nurses’ three-year contract expired Nov. 30. Staffing levels along with sick leave and paid time off have been the main sticking points in negotiations.

The association said nurses are faced with accepting “huge permanent losses” in paid time off and elimination of sick leave or having to pay “exorbitant rates for medical insurance in return for increased wages.”

They’re frustrated, although hope remains that an agreement can be reached, said Ruth Schubert, association spokeswoman.

Association and Kadlec officials agreed Monday to look at dates for more negotiation sessions. The dates haven’t been set.

This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 6:12 PM with the headline "Still no new contract for Kadlec nurses."