Nurses picket Providence, claiming low wages, fewer benefits
EVERETT — Hundreds of people wielded picket signs outside Everett’s two Providence hospitals last week, as leaders of the nurses’ union and hospital administrators continue to negotiate a new labor contract.
Talks between officials of Providence and UFCW 21, which represents 1,700 nurses at the Everett hospitals, have been underway since October. The union says Providence’s latest offers contain below-market wages, reduced paid leave and fewer medical benefits for family members.
“Hopefully, Providence takes us seriously and comes to the table with better terms,” said Kimball Conlon, a registered nurse at the Everett hospital’s emergency department and member of the union’s bargaining team. “I believe in Providence’s mission, even if it feels like the administration and the higher-ups have lost sight of it for the almighty dollar.”
Nurses and supporters conducted the informational picket Wednesday. On Friday, negotiations resumed with the involvement of a federal mediator.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/nurses-picket-at-providence-everett-amid-contract-talks/
