Kadlec: We want to get back to the negotiating table with nurses

Kadlec officials want to get back to the negotiating table with nurses before Jan. 13, but the union has said it’s not available until then, the hospital said Tuesday in a statement.

“That is unacceptable. We want to get back to the table as soon as possible,” Kadlec’s statement said.

The Washington State Nurses Association, which is representing about 800 registered nurses in contract talks with the Richland hospital, responded that it’s also “eager to get back to the negotiating table as soon as possible.”

It went onto say that, “none of the December (dates) discussed via email work for everyone. That’s why we offered Jan. 13. We hope Kadlec will come back to the table on that date ready to engage in some real negotiating.”

Several hundred Kadlec nurses took part Monday night in an advisory strike vote, with 90 percent giving approval.

Nurses aren’t striking at this time; association officials have described the vote as a way to gauge how the nurses are feeling.

The nurses’ three-year contract expired Nov. 30 and a new pact hasn’t yet been reached. The main sticking points are staffing levels, paid time off and sick leave.

In its statement, Kadlec said it “remains committed to negotiating in good faith” and believes that “together with our nurses we can come to a successful resolution of this process.”

Nurse officials also have said they’re hopeful a resolution can be reached at the bargaining table.

This story was originally published December 8, 2015 at 8:39 PM with the headline "Kadlec: We want to get back to the negotiating table with nurses."