Teamsters Nurses in Washington Ratify First Agreement
(CHELAN, Wash.) – Dozens of nurses represented by Teamsters Local 760 at Lake Chelan Health hospital in Washington state have voted to ratify a strong first contract.
“After months of staying strong together through negotiations, I am so proud that we have secured our first-ever union contract,” said Jenel Hetterle, an emergency room registered nurse and member of Local 760. “This agreement reflects our unity and resilience, and it is a testament to what workers can achieve when we stand as one.”
“The nurses of Lake Chelan Health started their organizing drive more than 14 months ago and filed for recognition in April 2024. After nearly a year of hard-fought negotiations, they have ratified a life-changing contract that provides them job security rights for the first time,” said Dave Simmons, a business representative at Local 760 and lead negotiator.
This group of nurses joined Local 760 last year to secure better compensation and a real voice on the job. With their new three-year contract, they have secured just that with raises averaging above 24 percent, improvements to differential and premium pay, higher retirement benefits, robust grievance procedures, and other job protections.
“From the day they started organizing, these hard-working men and women made it clear they had what it takes to be a vital part of our union,” said Richard Salinas, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 760. “On behalf of all our members at Local 760, I am honored and humbled to congratulate them on locking-in such a lucrative first agreement.”
MultiCare Hospital Workers in Yakima Organize with Teamsters
169 Technicians, Technologists Vote Overwhelmingly to Join Teamsters Local 760
(YAKIMA, Wash.) – Workers at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 760. The new Teamsters work as technicians and technologist at the health care facility.
“Teamsters Local 760 is thrilled to welcome nearly 200 workers at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital to the Teamsters family,” said Richard Salinas, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 760. “In a decisive victory through an NLRB election, employees voted nearly six-to-one in favor of Teamsters representation. This achievement was made possible by the outstanding efforts of the steering committee, whose dedication drove this successful election to completion.”
These workers were determined to become Teamsters after their hospital was bought out in 2023 and their benefits were slashed by the new employer. The technicians and technologists knew that they were stronger together and needed a union to amplify their collective voice and help them secure the wages and benefits they deserved.
“This historic moment is a testament to our collective power and unity. Together, we have demonstrated that when we come together as a team, we can achieve great things,” said Jeremy Day, a new Teamster. “This victory not only marks a significant milestone for us but also sets a precedent for future technicians.”
These new Teamsters will meet in February to start drafting contract proposals.
