Nurses, Caregivers Return To Swedish Friday After 3-Day Strike
SEATTLE, WA — Thousands of nurses, caregivers, and hospital staff plan to return to work Friday morning following a three-day strike outside seven Swedish-Providence medical facilities. Picketing began on Tuesday after nine months of negotiations between hospital management and the nurses union, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, failed to materialize an agreement.
The union argues the hospital system has failed to provide competitive wages, benefits and protections, leading to low staffing levels and a lack of retention that has left healthcare workers stretched thin.
"Our workloads are often overwhelming, and that can put patients at risk," said Diana Garcia, a health worker at Swedish Edmonds.
During the strike, Swedish closed three facilities, including two emergency departments and a childbirth center. According to the union, the hospital spent upwards of $11 million to hire temporary staff and security for the duration of the strike.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/nurses-caregivers-return-to-swedish-friday-after-3-day-strike/ar-BBZv8Gk?ocid=hplocalnews
