In brief: Hospital workers set strike date

Mon., Aug. 2, 2010

From Staff Reports

Nurses and health care workers at Deaconess Medical Center and Valley Hospital plan to strike for one day beginning at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11.

Hospital managers say the two facilities are “fully prepared to ensure patient care will continue without interruption, and access will remain unobstructed at all facilities.”

The sides have been unable to negotiate a new contract since December 2008, and Service Employees International Union 1199NW has accused hospital owner Community Health Systems Inc. of unfair labor practices.

Hospital managers call the strike a “disappointing development” in the wake of recent bargaining sessions.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.