Still no contract for Providence nurses

EVERETT — After six months of negotiation, contract talks between Providence Regional Medical Center Everett and 1,400 registered nurses remain deadlocked.

The two sides have been unable to come to an agreement despite working with a federal mediator.

Tuesday afternoon, nurses plan informational picketing on the hospital’s two Everett campuses. A rally is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the main hospital at 1700 13th Ave.

Union representatives say the major issue is a need for more staffing. Like other metro Puget Sound hospitals, Providence has seen significant increases in the number of people hospitalized and emergency room patients.

Providence says it has added about 80 nurses since January to help meet demand.

The nurses are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers union. At the rally Tuesday, they are expected to be joined by Everett firefighters and representatives from two big Boeing unions, the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), said UFCW spokesman Tom Geiger.

“We’re not on strike,” Geiger said. “There hasn’t been a recommendation for a strike vote yet. But an informational picket is sort of one step short of that.”

Danielle Percival, a union member who works as a head nurse on the night shift, said neither side in the dispute wants a strike. Percival said she hopes the union events Tuesday help convince the hospital that the community supports the nurses.

Barbara Hyland-Hill, Providence’s chief nursing officer, said the hospital “will do everything in our power to avoid a strike.”

Anyone needing health services at the hospital shouldn’t be concerned that the contract dispute will affect their care, Hyland-Hill said.

The nurses’ contract expired Oct. 31. There have been 15 negotiating sessions and several temporary contract extensions, the last of which expired Feb. 27. The union had hoped for a breakthrough during a negotiating session earlier this month, Geiger said. “Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.”

No additional bargaining sessions have been scheduled, but a federal mediator has been asked to set a date for more talks, Hyland-Hill said.

The union has suggested having someone from outside the hospital help mediate staffing issues. The hospital feels it has measures in place to address the issues in a timely way, Hyland-Hill said.

“This is really about collaboration with our nurses.”

The hospital has offered three years of wage increases. Nurses would get a about a 5.5 percent raise the first year, about 5.25 percent the second year and about 5.5 percent the third year.

Percival said union members generally are satisfied with that offer.

Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Oliver Popa, 7, poses with his book, "Drippey Plants a Garden," on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds 7-year-old publishes children’s book featuring ‘Drippey’ the bee

Oliver Popa’s first grade teacher said he should publish a longer version of a writing assignment. A year later, his mother — a publisher — helped made it happen.

Don Sharrett talks John Wrice through his trimming technique on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett barber school offers $5 haircuts — if you’re brave enough

Students get hands-on practice. Willing clients get a sweet deal.

Employees and patrons of the Everett Mall signed a timeline mural that traces the history of the 51-year-old indoor mall that was once considered the premier place to go shopping in the city. Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Mall mural offers nostalgic trip into the past

Past and present Everett Mall employees joined customers Thursday to view an artistic timeline of the once popular shopping mecca.

Percy Levy, who served 17 years for drug-related crimes, outside his new business Redemption Auto along Highway 99 on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett man, arrested on drugs, weapons charges, moved to federal detention

In addition to Percy Levy, U.S. marshals transferred a second suspect in the case to federal custody.

2025 Emerging Leader Anthony Hawley (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Anthony Hawley: Creating friendships and filling pantries

Since 2021, Hawley has increased donations to Lake Stevens Community Food Bank through fundraising and building donor relationships.

Gary Petershagen
Lake Stevens council member announces reelection run

Gary Petershagen is seeking a third term on the council.

2025 Emerging Leader Megan Kemmett (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Megan Kemmett: Seeking solutions to any problem or obstacle

Executive director of Snohomish Community Food Bank overcomes obstacles to keep people fed.

Director for the Snohomish County Health Department Dennis Worsham leads a short exercise during the Edge of Amazing event on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department faces up to $3.4 million in cuts

The two federal grants provided funding for immunizations and disease prevention awareness efforts.

2025 Emerging Leader DeLon Lewis (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
DeLon Lewis: Helping students succeed

Program specialist for Everett Community College believes leadership is about building bridges.

Daron Johnson, who runs Snohomish County Scanner, stands next to his scanner setup on Tuesday, April 1 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Snohomish County law enforcement to encrypt police airwaves

The plan for civilian police scanners to go dark pushed a host to shut down his popular breaking news feed.

Richie Gabriel, 1, jumps off the bottom of the slide as Matthew Gabriel looks down at him from the play structure at Hummingbird Hill Park on Monday, March 31, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds residents show up for Hummingbird Hill Park, Frances Anderson Center

After a two-and-a-half hour public comment session, the council tabled its votes for the two comprehensive plan amendments.

Students Haddie Shorb, 9, left, and brother Elden Shorb, 11, right, lead the ground breaking at Jackson Elementary School on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett Public Schools breaks ground on Jackson Elementary replacement

The $54 million project will completely replace the aging elementary school. Students are set to move in by the 2026-27 school year.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.