CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION __________________
title
A RESOLUTION recognizing the importance of our healthcare workers; supporting the unionized workers of SEIU Healthcare 1199 NW exercising their right to strike and withhold their labor.
body
WHEREAS, our community in Seattle relies upon the expertise of our healthcare workers; and
WHEREAS, we in Seattle need the security of knowing the best and safest hospital and patient care is there for us when we need it; and
WHEREAS, the best and safest hospital and patient care depends on the recruitment and retention of excellent, empowered healthcare workers who are by our and our loved ones' bedsides and take care of every aspect of our health when we need them; and
WHEREAS, more than 8,000 healthcare workers, organized through their union SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, have democratically authorized a strike if the healthcare system Providence St. Joseph Health does not come back to the bargaining table with fair contract proposals; and
WHEREAS, the readiness to strike is based in ongoing concerns for patient safety, the right to be free from retaliation when workers speak up, the right to engage in fair bargaining with complete information, the right to be paid fairly for work performed, and the need for contract standards that ensure their health and safety, as well as the economic well-being of healthcare workers; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE THAT:
Section 1. The Seattle City Council respects the authority of all unionized workers, and on this occasion especially those of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, to exercise the most fundamental right they possess to strike and withhold their labor.
Section 2. The Seattle City Council urges Providence St. Joseph Health to bargain in good faith through contract negotiations to reach agreement with our health care providers and avoid putting our community at risk of not receiving the highest quality care for patients and their families...
Click here for full text