We continue to negotiate our next contract because we know Sea Mar can do better for all of us. Living costs are surging and we need the wages to keep up.
To reflect the times we’re living in, we need a higher Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). COLAs are made to counteract inflation, to rise alongside the prices of goods and services — it’s different from a step increase or merit-based raise.
We are negotiating this currently, and Sea Mar Management is asking you to accept a mere 3% COLA. Keep in mind: the living wage for a single adult in King County rose over 40% since 2022, and is now $30/hour.
Our contract already contains a wage scale to respect our experience.
Employees get a wage step increase of ~ 2% on their anniversary date. This is already part of Sea Mar’s budget. We are not negotiating a wage scale again. Management is trying to take credit for something the Union already negotiated in years past.
WE’RE WORTH MORE THAN THE BARE MINIMUM
We’ve used the same formula of 2-3% COLAs for years now. Each time, we see minimum wage catch up to us; it makes it impossible for our years of experience to put us ahead. Sea Mar Management is working with us in negotiations to address this wage compression. We have shown that we will use our voices to stand up for our families and what’s right. We’re making the choice to fight for a better contract that will support us, not a settlement that keeps us further and further behind other healthcare employers. Join us for upcoming community actions! Grab a window sign for family, friends, and small businesses to show their solidarity.