Swedish, SEIU reach tentative agreement after year of talks

EDMONDS — After nearly a year of contract talks and a three-day strike in January, Swedish Medical Center and the union that represents nearly 8,000 of its employees reached a deal Friday, the union announced.

Details of the agreement were not immediately available. Nurses, caregivers and other staff at all Swedish locations, including the Edmonds hospital, are asked to vote on the new contract starting Saturday, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW announced to members.

“I am excited to recommend this contract as it will provide us security in this crisis and unstable economy and allow us to continue to focus on our shared goals to provide the best care for our communities during this difficult time,” said Carol Lightle, a nurse in Issaquah, in a statement to members.

The new deal sets standards for patient safety, recruitment and retention, and racial justice, the union said.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/swedish-seiu-reach-tentative-agreement-after-year-of-talks/?utm_source=DAILY+HERALD&utm_campaign=6f0d0544ac-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d81d073bb4-6f0d0544ac-228635337