YAKIMA, Wash. — The technical employees at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital, represented by Teamsters Local Union 760, have voted to authorize a strike following a 95% approval. This unit includes employees who assist with surgery, radiology, MRI, pharmacy, and lab work.
David Simmons, a Teamsters 760 business agent, highlighted the ongoing negotiations since early 2025.
“We have not been able to get the hospital to move any of the major positions, and they’ve left us no choice at this point is to take the next step,” he said.
The potential strike involves 168 employees. Simmons emphasized the impact should they go on strike.
“If you need a test done at the hospital, it’s not going to get done without this group of workers,” he said.
Simmons mentioned that while some tentative agreements have been reached, substantial issues remain unresolved, including a union security clause.
“They’re asking for hospital security clauses, which we’re not agreeable to, particularly since they’re not agreeable to the union security clauses,” he explained.
Retirement benefits have also been a point of contention.
“They cut their retirement benefits from 6.5% down to 3.5% and then made it discretionary,” Simmons said.
In response, a MultiCare spokesperson stated they are “offering market-competitive wages and benefits,” but Simmons questioned the validity of their market analysis.
“We clearly don’t agree with the market analysis that they’ve claimed to have done,” Simmons said.
Simmons discussed the core disconnect, noting, “We believe that since MultiCare has come into this hospital, they’ve shifted the priority from patient care-centric improvements to a profit-driven model.”
Federal law requires Teamsters Local Union 760 to provide a 10-day notice to MultiCare if a strike is to occur. MultiCare stated that the hospital will remain open and fully staffed in the event of a strike.
Simmons is encouraging the hospital to negotiate reasonably.
“The employees want to focus on patient care, and they also want to be able to be secure in the long-term economic situation for their families,” he said.
MultiCare sent NonStopLocal the following statement following the announcement:
“MultiCare Health System values the contributions of our technicians and technologists at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital. We have been bargaining in good faith with the Teamsters since early 2025 and we will continue to bargain in good faith to reach a sustainable contract. We are offering market-competitive wages and benefits, just as we offer to all team members in the Yakima Valley region.
We hear the Teamsters have taken a strike authorization vote. If a strike does occur, the hospital will remain open and fully staffed. We have comprehensive plans to ensure this unfortunate work stoppage does not affect our ability to provide vital care for our community.
With the help of a federal mediator, we look forward to an agreement that will position both our team members and our hospital for the future.”
