Professional and technical (Pro Tech) workers at Harrison Hospital have announced through their union, UFCW 21, that they intend to picket the hospital Feb. 19 as part of ongoing contract negotiations.
About 800 Pro Tech workers belong to the union.
The full announcement, provided in an email from UFCW 21 Communications Director Tom Geiger, follows below:
“Today, in accordance with the Action Plan that was approved by a Pro Tech vote of 93 percent at Harrison late last month, we issued a 10-day notice to Harrison Medical Center. The notice is for an informational picket that is planned to take place on February 19th between the hours of 2 and 6 PM at the Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton.
“This action has become necessary in order to connect with the public and patients and let them know of the challenges these health care workers are facing in the current contract negotiations. Negotiations have been underway since early last summer.
“At this point, we are moving ahead with the planning around this Informational Picket and will proceed with that plan to achieve a fair contract. Our hope is that Harrison and the Franciscans will cease the aggressive stance in bargaining and change the proposals to a package that respects the hard work and loyalty of its employees.”
