Bellingham caregivers reach tentative contract agreement over wages, staffing
A group of Bellingham caregivers supporting adults with disabilities reached a tentative agreement with their organization’s management after voting to authorize a strike if their requests for higher wages, better staffing and improved training were not met.
The caregivers work for Evergreen Supported Living, a local nonprofit that has provided in-home support services to adults with developmental disabilities in Bellingham since it was established in 1982.
Represented by their union, SEIU 775, the caregivers had been expressing concerns about worker conditions and understaffing threatening the quality of care for Evergreen clients.
Now, the caregivers say they’ve come to an agreement that, if approved, would mean better conditions for the caregivers themselves and the adults with disabilities they serve.
“Evergreen management agreed to the workers’ latest set of proposals, and both sides expressed excitement about moving forward in a collaborative manner with a continued and renewed focus on high-quality client care,” the caregivers’ union said in an announcement about the tentative agreement.
The agreement includes higher wages, improved training, a process for discipline and grievances, along with the establishment of a mechanism for collaborating on staffing levels via a labor management committee, according to the union.
“The provisions in this tentative union agreement would provide competitive wages, and a voice at the table when it comes to decisions that affect our work and the quality of care we can provide,” Evergreen caregiver Bryce Squires said in the announcement.
“If this contract agreement is approved, it will make Evergreen Supported Living a better place to work, help us retain and recruit the best staff, and most importantly, help ensure our clients get the care they deserve,” Squires said.
Evergreen caregivers are expected to vote on whether to approve the tentative agreement as soon as next week, according to the union.
“If approved, the union contract would make Evergreen one of the highest-paying supported living agencies in the state,” the union said in the announcement.
Evergreen Executive Director Zay McShane told The Herald he is really excited to have reached an agreement with caregivers.
“I think it’s fair and it will allow us to move forward and get back to the essential care we offer our clients,” McShane said. “We’re proud of the care we’ve been providing since 1982. This will only serve to better the care we already provide.”
McShane told The Herald the tentative agreement includes a 3% increase in the starting wage for caregivers, from $21.12 per hour up to $21.75 per hour.
“It represents a significant investment in our staff and demonstrates how much we value the work they do,” McShane said.
Evergreen Supported Living employs 30 people and currently serves eight clients.
