Sacred Heart talks ongoing

About 450 technical workers at Sacred Heart Medical Center anticipate a new contract this month as union bargaining with the hospital moves along.

The employees, including those in jobs such as respiratory therapists, surgical technicians, X-ray technicians and mental health counselors, have been working without a contract since Dec. 31.

Talks have been amicable through several sessions, said United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1001 representative Bob Barker.

The major issues of pay, rising medical insurance costs and training have yet to be resolved, but the sides are moving closer together, he said. An important issue for the union, Barker said, is ensuring that employees are placed in new wage scales according to their years of experience.

A successful contract would be the second for the union, which formed several years ago amid a wave of organizing at Spokane hospitals. Union members were stung in 2004 by layoffs of many licensed practical nurses and the hospital’s initial severance offers.

In 2005, Sacred Heart rebounded from the financial struggles of a year earlier.

Barker said another bargaining round is set for Tuesday.

Patrick Clarry, human resources director for the hospital, characterized the negotiations as progressing.

“We’re both trying to meet each other’s interests,” he said. “We’re hopeful something can be completed soon.”

The UFCW contract is the only labor negotiation the hospital has this year. Registered nurses and service workers are under contract.