Kadlec Nurses Target End of Oct. for Strike Vote

Over 900 registered nurses working for the Kadlec Regional Medical Center system are going to take a strike vote, slated for October 29-30 unless certain conditions are met,

The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), their union representative body, wants Providence Medical system to make commitments to ensure safe staffing and to protect basic earning benefits.

WSNA leaders say Providence has engaged in unfair and illegal tactics that has taken basic earned benefits away, and this includes Providence facilities around the Northwest including Spokane.

WSNA officials also say Kadec management has committed numerous Unfair Labor Practices, including interfering with nurses’ right to 'concerted activity' and failing to bargain in good faith during contract negotiations.

WSNA says there have been 14 negotiation sessions in the last year, including use of a mediator.