February 2023 PULSE

PulseApril 24, 2023

In February, NUHW members settled the longest mental health care strike in U.S. history, won raises from multiple employers, welcomed new members at Kindred and Providence facilities, commemorated Black History Month, and rallied to stop the potential closure of Petaluma Valley Hospital’s Birthing Center.

Check out this month’s member profile of Lucy Cisneros as well as our Women’s History Month webpage. You can read all the stories below, and find NUHW on social media: FacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedIn, and TikTok.



Mental health therapists at Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii ratify contract ending 172-day strike
The three-year agreement preserves pensions and includes guaranteed raises without which Kaiser stood to lose even more therapists, resulting in even longer appointment wait times for patients. Read more.



NUHW members help lead fight to save acclaimed birthing center
With Providence (St. Joseph Health) seeking to close the birthing center at Petaluma Valley Hospital in violation of its purchase agreement, caregivers are joining forces with community leaders to save the facility. Read more.



Newly unionized Sutter caregivers win fight for merit raises
Sutter halted merit raises after workers voted to join NUHW, but workers stayed united, fought back and settled a complaint requiring that Sutter restore the raises with interest. Read more.



Providence St. Joseph Health hospice workers join NUHW
Fighting to preserve their patient-first principles amid layoffs and cutbacks, the Sonoma County workers united behind the organizing drive. Read more.



Member profile: Lucy Cisneros
Petaluma Valley Hospital ultrasound tech brings her fighting spirit from the tennis court to her Providence (St. Joseph) hospital. Read more.



Seton professionals win long battle for better wages
After more than a year at the bargaining table, workers won 16 percent raises over three years. Read more.



Kindred workers in San Diego gain voluntary union recognition
With worker support for joining NUHW crystal clear, the hospital chain opted to recognize their union rather than to request a formal vote. Read more.



NUHW celebrates Women’s History Month
In celebration of Women’s History Month, NUHW is highlighting important women, past and present, who have made great contributions in health care as well as the struggle for civil rights and workers’ rights. Read more.



NUHW offering online continuing education courses
Need CE units? Check out our online courses for members in licensed and certified job classifications. Learn more. Learn more.



News of the Month
Read our roundup of the latest labor and healthcare news from top media outlets.