Michael Pineda, chief steward at Sutter Delta Medical Center and executive board member of SEIU-UHW, discussed the recent contract negotiations with Sutter Health on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. The interview covered the strike authorization vote, key contract details and community support for healthcare workers.
After Sutter Health implemented numerous delay tactics to stall negotiations, workers at eight facilities voted 96 percent in favor of authorizing a strike. This decisive action prompted Sutter to engage in meaningful bargaining, resulting in a tentative two-year agreement, Pineda said. The contract includes a 14 percent wage increase, maintains current healthcare benefits without premium increases and improves staffing language to address burnout concerns. Pineda emphasized the importance of preserving healthcare coverage and securing better staffing provisions to ensure quality patient care.
The union's strategy included rolling pickets at all eight facilities, which garnered significant community support. Local residents, labor councils and politicians demonstrated solidarity with the healthcare workers. This public pressure played a crucial role in pushing Sutter Health to negotiate seriously, Pineda said. He also noted the stark contrast between executive compensation, with Sutter's CEO earning $11 million in 2023, and the company's initial reluctance to invest in staffing and patient care.
The new contract introduces a crisis incentive pay provision to address staffing shortages. This measure requires Sutter to provide additional compensation when staffing falls below core levels, incentivizing the company to maintain adequate staffing, Pineda said. The agreement covers 4,800 SEIU-UHW members across Sutter Health facilities and is expected to be ratified by union members, marking a significant victory for healthcare workers in their fight for fair compensation and working conditions.
Listen to the full episode for more insights on healthcare workers' rights and union activism.