Healthcare workers at CommonSpirit St. Joseph Medical Center, represented by UFCW 3000, have prepared for a potential Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike, with a critical bargaining session scheduled for November 12. Ahead of these negotiations, the union’s executive board has authorized a tiered strike benefit package, offering up to $800 for eligible staff depending on their weekly hours.
Strike Benefit Structure
The approved compensation plan provides financial support to members participating in a potential strike, with payments prorated based on the number of days spent on the picket line. The benefit tiers are defined as follows:
- Less than 20 hours within 7 days: $200 (stay-home pay)
- 20–32 hours within 7 days: $500 in strike benefits
- 32 or more hours within 7 days: $800 in strike benefits
To receive these funds, workers must complete a W9 form, which the union expects to make available via a digital link and QR code early next week. Members are encouraged to update their contact information to ensure they receive resources as the potential strike date approaches.
Union Returns to Bargaining Table Before Potential Strike Notice
The union team returns to the bargaining table on November 12 prepared to either reach an agreement or issue a formal strike notice. Under federal requirements, a notice must be provided to both the hospital and the federal mediation service at least 10 days before any strike activity begins.
The labor dispute is driven by the union’s pursuit of a contract without takeaways, as well as allegations of illegal management conduct. The union claims that hospital leadership is violating labor law by unlawfully questioning workers about if they are going to participate in a strike or other protected action.
Union President Faye Guenther and Secretary Treasurer Sean Embly are scheduled to join the bargaining session to support the team. As Certified Surgical Technologist Vanessa Giles noted, We need to see real movement from management at the next bargaining session, or we know what comes next.
