Providence Saint Joseph and SEIU Reach Agreement

Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center and workers represented in bargaining by SEIU 121 RN and SEIU United Healthcare Workers West have ratified a tentative contract agreement reached by bargaining teams for the medical center and SEIU on Aug. 29. The new contract is retroactive to April 1, 2007, and expires on Sept. 30, 2011. The ratification marks the end of negotiations that began in February 2007. The contract ratification comes three months after employees represented by the SEIU RN 121 and SEIU UHW-West had scheduled to strike on June 13. That strike was averted at the last moment when the SEIU agreed to Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon’s request for a 30-day cooling-off period. As part of the contract, Providence Saint Joseph will also finance an education and training program so its employees can improve their skills as they seek promotions in the health care field.