RICHLAND, Wash.-Healthcare workers at Kadlec in Richland walked off the job as part of a planned strike early Tuesday morning.
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, the union representing the striking healthcare workers in service and technical positions, said Providence security escorted night shift workers out of the building forcing them to start the strike at 4:45 a.m., hours before the planned 6 a.m. start time.
According to SEIU, the union plans to file an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board arguing that Providence escorting night shift employees out forced an early start to the strike, in violation of the National Labor Relations Act.
“This morning’s actions by Providence can be added to a long list of indicators that the employer’s conduct, both at and away from the bargaining table, demonstrates a lack of interest in reaching a contract — the hallmark of bad-faith bargaining.” said Jane Hopkins, RN, president of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.
In a statement, Kadlec said it partnered with an agency that provides caregivers who will work the duration of the strike and the striking workers were removed at 4:30 a.m. to allow those substitute caregivers time to set up in the units.
“We are saddened and disappointed to hear that the union is stating that Kadlec management engaged in an unfair labor practice by leading them out at 4:30 a.m.,” Kadlec said. “The early transition took place to facilitate patient care, and no union member lost any pay as a result.”
Kadlec said all of its facilities and services will operate normally during the strike.
This is a developing story, which means information could change. We are working to report timely and accurate information as we get it.
