We’re seeing a record number of new agreements in our negotiations – over 40! We will keep standing up for our priorities because WE are the issue experts. As frontline workers, our experience must be heard to reach a fair agreement. That is what will make a difference for us, our patients, and for Sea Mar.
Our bargaining process addresses every issue as a proposal, and when we negotiate, the goal is to reach an agreement on each proposal. Proposals are not always accepted on the first pass. Earlier this year, Sea Mar management suggested a $300 increase to our medical, and we said NO, and management withdrew from that position.
AGREED UPON HIGHLIGHTS
- Bereavement for up to 10 days for extended travel and expansion of qualifying family members (aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, step-grandparent and step-grandchild);
- Creation of a multi-site position to address our urgent staffing needs;
- A stronger voice in our Labor Management Committee — new positions for union members;
- Improved employee rights and protections — management will inform us when we can have union representation at a meeting;
- Updated dress code.
“When I speak about wages, I am talking about all of us — the employees who are here every day. These are the people stepping outside of their job descriptions to get something done. We hear people say, “Work your wage,” but if we only worked our job description, and nothing more, Sea Mar would struggle. We do more daily than what we are compensated for. Early on, we heard that management was not willing to go above a certain amount and we need to find a middle ground. Employees earning around $22/hour have tremendous responsibility and do the work of other positions that often would pay $7 more per hour. We do not believe our compensation reflects the work put on our coworkers.
We fill the gaps, we stay late, we are dedicated, and we should not be taken for granted just because we show up. We are asking Sea Mar to come to the bargaining table and go above and beyond. We are asking Sea Mar to move to negotiate and meet us in the middle.”
— Christina Hankins, Care Coordinator I, Lakewood
“Community members come to Sea Mar because they can find staff and providers who speak their language. At White Center, we have people come from Auburn and further because they are comfortable talking to our staff. We get a hold of members in their preferred language, we are there by their side, and that is why people come to Sea Mar.
We need compensation for this skill. We cannot be taken for granted by Sea Mar.”
— Gemma Bautista-Ramirez, Receptionist, and Angelica Jimenez Mendoza, MA-C, White Center
WHAT WE NEED
We need to be heard by Sea Mar Management and are demanding that they respond to our top priorities, including issues of safety, wages, equity, and respect.
When we make a bargaining proposal, we use examples from across the state and include workable solutions. Our proposals include solutions for our top priority areas:
EQUITY
- Fix wage compression – when we see raises, and minimum wage goes up, we need to see ALL pay rates increase;
- IRS Mileage Rates – with gas prices at record levels, we cannot afford to drive to/for work without a mileage increase;
- Alternative Holidays.
RESPECT
- Bilingual Pay;
- A voice in staffing levels that address the needs of our patients and coworkers;
- Telehealth – we want to work with Sea Mar to find more opportunities for remote telehealth work where it’s appropriate.
JOB SECURITY
- In the case of restructure or layoffs, seniority needs to be followed.
WAGES
- We need pay to keep up with inflation and the high cost of living. Sea Mar is putting money toward new buildings and bringing in new investments, but still insists on the same low COLA increase that is putting us further behind:
| UNION | SEA MAR | |
| 2026 | 6% | 3% |
| 2027 | 5% | 3% |
| 2028 | 4% | 3% |
Our bargaining continues because we are apart on some of our core values and most urgent priorities. We are also waiting for responses on key safety concerns. Moving forward, we will continue bringing our expertise and the voice of our co-workers to the table. After our last bargaining session, it is Sea Mar’s turn to respond.
Next negotiation session is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24.
ATTEND THURSDAY MEETINGS
Thursdays at 6 pm
Weekly updates on negotiating our next SMCHC-OPEIU 8 contract
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86226202296