Oregon Hospital Reaches Contract Agreement with Housekeepers

Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) in Astoria, Oregon, reached a three-year contract agreement with 450 union workers including housekeepers, The Daily Astorian reports.

The negotiations went smoothly between representatives of the hospital and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 49. The new contract, which expires in 2024, includes wage increases, additional paid time off, health benefits, and increased support for professional development also known as an SEIU education fund.

Lonn Martin, a housekeeper and union member, told The Daily Astorian, “The gains certainly were the wages and the SEIU education fund, which should give a greater pathway to our members for their education, as far as what is required for their certifications, their licensure, and their continuing education.”

Nicole Williams, chief operating officer for the hospital, said in a statement, “Tuition reimbursement for college courses and (continuing education), career counseling, and programs to qualify members for much-needed health care positions make this a win-win situation for both the SEIU 49 workers and CMH.”