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July 27, 2010 in City
Workers at Deaconess, Valley hospitals vote to strike
Union workers at Deaconess Medical Center and Valley Hospital and Medical Center have voted to authorize a one-day strike against the facilities because of alleged unfair labor practices.
The vote came on Monday night from union workers at the two facilities, according to a union news release.
A date was not set for the one-day strike, which can only occur after giving the hospitals 10 days of notice of the action.
The heightened labor tension comes after the workers’ union has spent 20 months trying to reach a contract with the Tennessee-based, for-profit owner, Community Health Systems.
Community Health Systems purchased the facilities in 2008 from Empire Health Services.
The workers’ union – Service Employees International Union Local 1199NW – has brought allegations of unfair labor practices against Community Health Systems for reducing retirement, health and dental benefits, failing to bargain in good faith and engaging in union-busting tactics.
A trial before a law judge of the National Labor Relations Board was postponed from its start on July 13 so that the two sides could resume negotiations. The NLRB trial was postponed again on Monday until August.
The next bargaining talk is set for Friday.
A union official said the strike authorization was union members’ desire to say “enough is enough” in the delay of progress in bargaining.
A statement issued by management at the two facilities said, “The hospitals respect and value our employees. We remain committed to good faith bargaining and hopeful that a mutually acceptable agreement can be reached soon.”
The statement indicated that management had not been notified of the strike vote by Tuesday morning.
Community Health Systems officials were not available for comment this morning, but two telephone messages requesting a management response were left at corporate offices.
Prior to the Community Health Systems purchase of the two facilities, the nurses at Deaconess voted to de-certify their union affiliation.
The union said in a news release that it represents 660 service and technical workers at Deaconess and more than 450 nurses and technical and service workers at the Valley facility.
Returning farmland to a state of nature 
lewis8457 on July 27 at 9:06 a.m.
bad move in this economy, the unions just don’t get it do they?
de3 on July 27 at 9:23 a.m.
Amidst 10% unemployment, they strike? I heard that less than 5% of WSU nursing grads had full time jobs at graduation this year - seems there will be plenty of high quality replacements available.
Albert on July 27 at 9:24 a.m.
“Union-busting”??? We should be so lucky. Oh by the way, please don’t have an accident, life-threatening illness, or any reason to receive any treatment - the “union” won’t allow it. You can die on the doorstep, however the “union” will have their way. Great Neanderthal thinking by the “union” and the “dedicated employees” who so genuinely tell us that they only want to “give and serve others”.
suzieeizus on July 27 at 9:36 a.m.
Health professionals deserve great health care and to be paid fairly for what they do. They’re giving the hospital ten days’ notice. This could all be avoided if the greedy fat cats in administration would work with the union(which is really just a group of workers who got organized to look out for their best interests, what’s wrong with that?) to give them what they think is fair. We’ve all felt underappreciated before, these nurses and technical workers are actually doing something about it. I wish them good luck.
misjustice on July 27 at 9:44 a.m.
“Community Health Systems, Inc. is one of the leading operators
of general acute care hospitals. The organization’s affiliates own,
operate or lease 123 hospitals in 29 states, with an aggregate of
approximately 18,000 licensed beds. In 65 percent
of the markets served, CHS-affiliated hospitals are
the sole provider of healthcare services.”
http://www.chs.net/
The above blurb is from ( the for profit ) Community Health Systems’ web site. CHS is a behemoth that is attempting to take away hard won benefits (which were bargained for) from employees in order to increase their profit margins, over pay their CEO, and defend their fraud cases for ripping off Medicaid.
These unionized workers, along with CHS management, enter into contracts/labor agreements; often times things such as wage increases are given up in order to keep or increase other benefits, like retirement plans.
And while the worker bees try to hold on to bargained for benefits CEO Wayne Smith is, seemingly, immune from these economic “hard-times”… his “benefits package” is not being cut, his perks are never ending…his wages have increased…
Total compensation for Smith > 17,900,000.00 and going up, up, up, up….Yes, folks, that’s almost 18 MILLION Dollars!
“Compensation: Although Smith decreased his options awards by nearly $1.2 million in 2009, he still earned roughly $7 million more than in 2008. Smith’s base salary increased 20.4 percent in 2009—from about $1.08 million in 2008 to $1.3 million—”to compensate for his day-to-day performance of duties,” the company states in its definitive proxy statement.
In addition, his change in pension value and nonqualified deferred compensation earnings totaled $7,584,981. Of Smith’s “other compensation,” more than half ($143,816) accounted for corporate aircraft use, and about $5 thousand for membership dues.”
http://www.fiercehealthfinance.com/special-reports/ceo-payouts-top-healthcare-facilities/community-health-systemss-wayne-smith-ceo-pay
CHS is not dealing with labor in good faith. But I guess that is to be expected from a corporation that stands accused of ripping off Medicaid. CYH, a subsidiary of CHS, is on trial accused of defrauding Medicaid of 47.5 million at 3 New Mexico Hospitals.
spokanada on July 27 at 9:48 a.m.
poor economy? looks like Community Health Systems had a pretty good year in 2009. Here is a link to their 2009 annual report to shareholders.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9Mzc2MDE0fENoaWxkSUQ9Mzc0NTMxfFR5cGU9MQ==&t=1
dmcilrath on July 27 at 9:49 a.m.
According to the union, of the 660 people the union represents at Deaconess, I am one. I did not vote to strike and I was not allowed by the union to vote at all. I do not feel the union has ever represented me honestly and therefore I do not support anything the SEIU union does. I will be crossing whatever picket line the SEIU union throws up.
soccermomsusie on July 27 at 11:09 a.m.
David M. Good for you! What job do you do at Deaconess? You sound like a very smart guy. Are you a brain surgeon?
Finally, someone is stepping up in our country to do God’s will! That’s you Dave. Cross that picket line. What have unions got this country? A 40 hour work week? Days off? No child labor? Yes, but show me in the Bible where it says we should have any of these things.
Sure, you have reaped the benefits of a hospital union in this town. When Sacred Heart’s staff (unionized) got raises so did you before you had a union. But this nonsense has to stop. I am glad you are willing to say, “ENOUGH!”
Community Health Systems makes a lot of profit because this is God’s will that wealthy entities become more wealthy and that those who do the work should just feel grateful for something to do.
I, for one, look forward to the day when all the work is done by volunteers. That’s what this country was based upon! Volunteers picking cotton in the south before the Civil War. Volunteers building the railroads. Someday, when God’s will is done, we will have volunteers performing brain surgery (but still billing through insurance companies, for insurance companies). I hope one of those volunteer brain surgeons will be you David!
HEAR OUR VOICE!!!
Albert on July 27 at 11:10 a.m.
David McIlrath - NOW HERE’S SOME INTESTINAL FORTITUDE!!! Good for you - take a stand and make a difference. Unlike Suzanne who sings the union song, you are making a BIG difference with your statement of integrity. Typical of course, in that you are voting “no”, so the “union” won’t let you vote. Thank you! for taking a very unpopular stand and showing some courage…reminds me of a group of folks who did the same at Concord a few years back. Independence is what it’s all about.
bdr on July 27 at 12:12 p.m.
20 million Americans have been on unemployment/ unintended strike since September 2008. China seems to have no problem replacing us.
I’m certain if the government reduced the requirements of a nursing degree, health care prices would drop to burger king prices overnight.
deacon46 on July 27 at 12:19 p.m.
To the union folks. Be smart and remain employed. If you think you can win what you want from CHS, think again. It will not happen.
Dazzeetrader11 on July 27 at 12:26 p.m.
SEIU is Obama’s labor enforcement wing. Corrupt and overbearing with ill will toward any person who might step out of line ( the line being defined by them).
David….well done. An act of courage never goes unrewarded.
This CHS situation is typical in America these days.
The 10 day notice is really a 10 day threat by SEIU…which is usual for these thugs.
And as for you in this post who think just because CHS made money these past few years and therefore should bend to the union. Ask yourselves how much you invested in the company. …how much did YOU risk? How much has the union invested and what is it’s risk?
The answer will be “nothing”. And yet, demands made will become a flag of righteousness…hogwash! Get a job…go to work…make your money and go home. You’re not now , nor will you ever be…entitled ( get the word “entitled”?) to a company’s money because you didn’t invest or own the company. Benefits are still there for health, retirement, etc…so in this one, they are not the issue. What is the issue is that in hard economic times, you might have to get a second job like my parents both did.
Don’t be greedy,,,,go to work , do your job and thing’s will work out.
spokanecougar on July 27 at 2:33 p.m.
Yes, unions are such evil, evil organizations. How horrible of them to look out for workers rights and fair pay and safe work areas. Man, that is such evil work of the devil they do.
If it wasn’t for unions corporations would never be spending a cent on safety in the workplace and you all and myself included would be making about $1 an hour with no benefits. Man, these are evil people in these unions looking out for workers best interests so their jobs are safe, they get paid a decent wage and they are not fired by the corporations just to save money and ship more jobs overseas.
Corporations spend billions have billions more to spend to lobby congress and the government to look out for their best interests…..why shouldn’t workers have someone to look out for our best interests?
misjustice on July 27 at 2:51 p.m.
Dear Little People:
” What is the issue is that in hard economic times, you might have to get a second job like my parents both did.” These are “hard economic times”, for ya’ll. Must suck to be you!
I, however, AM ENTITLED to $18 Million Dollars!
Love,
Wayne Smith
CEO
Spokanite10 on July 27 at 7:21 p.m.
Why do so many people take the side of a company based in Tennessee? Those nurse and techs are our neighbors. Remember the reason the union got in there was because the prior management saw fit to cut these folks (again our neighbors) pay by 9%.
The problem with some of you who work there is you voted for the union then sat back and waited for magic to happen. As much as I think the SEIU has handled this wrong from the beginning they are only as strong as there weakest member.
Ask your self this if the company did not have to negotiate with its employees where would the cuts come from first?
Our country has their priorities messed up, bail outs for banks and GM and screw the workers.
GO SEIU AND DEACONESS EMPLOYEES!
soccermomsusie on July 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Yes these are hard economic times for workers. But this country is not about workers. This country is about the wealthy. And in our country, at least most Americans have the common decency to not challenge this. Why are the corporations making more money, the wealthy making more money and the unions dying off? Quite simply. this is God’s will. To do otherwise would, at the very least, be impolite.
European countries’ workers stand up and their politicians do what they say. Sure, the workers all get living wages, vacation, healthcare and an education, but they are hampering the wealthy and corporations who God put in charge of us. Enjoy your healthcare, vacation, and education Comrade in….. H.E. double toothpicks!!
Deaconess workers, come to your senses. Send flowers to your betters and ask for forgiveness!
janinebaxter on July 27 at 8:51 p.m.
Lewis, de3, Albert and William: Your opinion has absolutely no merit. As an anonymous contributor, nothing you say can be considered. For all we know you are the CEO of Deaconess, Valley or CHS.
Daisy Minken: I would applaud you for using your name or pseudonym, however, it appears seeing your name in print or on the internet is your main past time. I entered your name in the Google search engine and quickly found no less than 10 entries in the Spokesman Review article comment section in the past 90 days. (I stopped counting after 10.) You consider yourself an expert not only on unions but in addition you feel qualified to comment on the Spokane mayor, Fairchild buildings, a senate race, emergency room care, the Spokane Park Board, social security and even Idaho school spending. Your knowledge of healthcare workers, hospitals and unions and your qualifications in regard to these subjects are…?
David Mcilrath: I am also one of the 1100 represented by SEIU at Deaconess and Valley hospitals. I was present in the room utilized for the strike vote for several hours this past Sunday and Monday (before and after work and on my breaks). I have a clear understanding of the voting process. If you were not allowed to vote it is because you are not a member of the union. This means that for the past 20 months you have allowed your co-workers to pay union dues while you have not. You reap the same benefits (wages, insurance, working conditions, job protection etc.) that all members do, yet you refuse to pay. In fact the only right you do not have, because you do not pay monthly dues, is the right to vote. I’m sure it was explained to you that if you wanted to vote, all you had to do was fill out a membership card at the sign-in table. 30 of your co-workers cared enough about the issue to do just that. The union did not stop you from voting. You prevented yourself from voting. The strike authorization passed by a 94% majority. Six percent of the voters voted no. To indicate you were not allowed to vote because of your choice to vote no is a misrepresentation of the truth. As far as the union not representing you honestly, I’m not sure what else can be done for you. Is giving you every right and privilege of the contract for free not satisfactory? I would expect you to cross the picket line. Why would you change your selfish and self-serving behavior now?
Unions exist because management allows them to. If employees were treated fairly, there would be no reason to organize. Non-members are welcome to attempt to individually negotiate their own wages, benefits and working conditions. I’m sticking with my over 1000 sisters and brothers in SEIU 1199NW for our patients and for our future. Deaconess and Valley Hospitals work because we do.
Janine Baxter MS, RN
eagleproducer on August 01 at 9:48 a.m.
I love how the working class is at each other’s throats over the issue of organized labor. Inter-calss warfare is EXACTLY what the wealthy elite hoped to create when they stepped up their unceasing assault against organized labor beginning with the Goldwater bid for the White House in 1964. Misjustice, as usual, clearly illuminates the salient points, that average workers (despite monstrous gains in productivity) have watched their wages and benefits erode, as adjusted for inflation, for the past forty years in the U.S. During that period income for the top earners rose four hundred percent. How have people become convinced it is unions bleeding us dry when the exact opposite is true?
Janine: Daisy froths with Pavolovian predictability each time an opportunity arises to defend a class of people who wouldn’t cross the street to spit on her should she be ablaze yet vilifies those who would treat her burns. Thank you for clarifying some of the issues involved in this labor dispute, especially for calling out David McIlraith’s attempt to tarnish the union by concocting a lie that included him not being able to vote no. I’ve also worked in situations that weren’t closed shops and watched people like David leach services from the Union when they needed them (like legal representation against wrongful termination) after refusing to join and bad mouthing them at every opportunity.
I’ve closely followed SEIU’s work organizing hospital workers across the country, including their clashes with existing unions like California Nurses United who have also taken their membership drive nationwide. SEIU’s leadership decided, as part of their efforts to increase membership, to bargain away worker’s rights to strike in many instances. It is heartening to learn a similar clause was not inserted in the contracts of C.H.S. workers. There need to be more instances of workers bringing business as usual to a grinding halt. It hasn’t happened often enough because we are a nation of people who don’t know what it means to truly sacrifice. Give us two wars but don’t put it on our tab. I’m on my way to a Grateful Dead Concert in my S.U.V. wearing plastic clothes and sipping a five dollar cup of coffee and can’t be bothered!
Daisy: Please, next time you visit a health care facility, demand that you be treated by an investor in the company rather than a health care professional. I’m almost astonished you didn’t manage to link Obama’s and ACORN’s association with SEIU all the way back to the Wobblies or even the Anti-Rent war. Don’t scratch your pointed head for too long, I’ll provide a link for the latter so you can weave it into your fusillades against anything not contained in the John Birch Society membership manual.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Rent_War
arroyoribera on August 11 at 1:16 a.m.
Supporters of the unionized workers and nurses will rally at Deaconess on 800 W 5th Avenue on Wednesday, August 11 from 4PM to 6 PM. This is an important issue as spelled out by several above. A massive Tennessee based health care corporation is seeking to make excessive profit from on the backs not only of health care workers but citizens who become patients. Community values are eroded by these corporate behemoths whose bottom line is Miton Friedman’s bottom line: “The social responsibility of business is profit”. Profit, not excellence in health care, not community well-being, not economic justice. The followers of Friedman and the massive corporations that have pillage this country for so many decades have brought the nation to the verge of economic collapse, a collapse which occurred, curiously, two months before the election of Barack Obama. I am not an Obama follower, as I consider him a member of this country’s two-party ruling class consensus. However, it is interesting that those left to spend their 4-8 years in power (Obama and the Democrats) get to clean up the mess of capitalism’s failure (as Greenspan and other “free-marketeers” have had to admit, even as they filled their pockets with billions in taxpayer relief.) Once again it is socialism for the wealthy, and food stamps, corporate propaganda, and bread line for the rest of us. Wake up and join in collective action on behalf of the our communities, families, and jobs. See you on the picket line: Deaconess on 800 W 5th Avenue on Wednesday, August 11 from 4PM to 6 PM.