PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Techs Ratify First-Ever Contract with AFT

VANCOUVER, WA—After more than a year of negotiations, X-ray, pharmacy and radiology technicians and respiratory therapists at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver ratified a first contract that includes paid education leave, increased job security, improved benefits for “per diem” employees and higher wages.

“This contract is a win for workers, a win for patients and a win for PeaceHealth, and it demonstrates what is possible when health professionals have the freedom to come together to bargain on behalf of themselves and their patients,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “PeaceHealth techs won higher wages, job security and opportunities to gain new skills, which will make it easier for the hospital to recruit and retain staff, will empower staff to advocate on behalf of their patients, and will improve patient care.”

The AFT represents more than 2,500 healthcare professionals at PeaceHealth in Vancouver and more than 130,000 across the country. The AFT has 98 percent density with nurses in the PeaceHealth system throughout Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Because of the wins by nurses at PeaceHealth, techs and other workers sought out the AFT to strengthen their voice. Nurses at PeaceHealth recently ratified a contract with increased job security and higher wages, and the hospital’s service and maintenance professionals are in negotiations.

“PeaceHealth Southwest techs, families and patients will benefit for years to come from this contract,” said PeaceHealth CT scan tech Eric Quinn.

Respiratory therapist Carmen Lohkamp said of the contract, “We are proud of our contract. The education benefits will provide opportunities for our members to grow professionally, and this contract will change lives for the better.”