McKenzie-Willamette Workers Announce ULP Strike
Hospital Workers Announce Unfair Labor Practice Strike to Protect Quality Care and Good Jobs in Springfield
On Friday, August 30, 400 caregivers at McKenzie Willamette Medical Center (MWMC), members of SEIU Local 49, announced plans to hold a three-day unfair labor practice strike to stand up for good jobs in Springfield in the face of the hospital’s unlawful conduct, low staffing levels and healthcare cost increases proposed by the hospital during months of contract negotiations. C ommunity allies and political leaders will be joining SEIU members on the picket line.While MWMC proposes significant increases to healthcare costs for caregivers, the hospital is simultaneously reported as being one of the most profitable hospitals in the state.“The bottom line is that we want to give our patients the best care possible, and we want to be treated fairly,” said Aaron Green, a Certified Nursing Assistant II. “We’re getting ready to strike because we want our hospital to invest in staffing and patient care, and we want to protect against unlawful treatment of employees.”“We’ve had an outpouring of support from our community because people understand how important it is to have good jobs with wages and benefits that caregivers can afford to live on in our area,” said Kayla Espy, a Linen Technician. “McKenzie-Willamette management has been neglecting our community for years, and we’re going to keep pushing our hospital to treat our patients and caregivers with dignity and respect.”
WHAT: Three-day unfair labor practice strike by 400 caregivers at McKenzie Willamette Medical Center
WHO: Hospital workers joined by community members and elected leaders
WHERE: McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, Springfield
WHEN: Workers will picket from 7:30am – 7:30pm on September 10, 11, and 12. Workers will return to work at 7:30am on September 13.
CONTACT: Rae Dunnaville, 503-919-1960, raed@seiu49.org