#United States #Yakima #Teamsters Local 760 #Yakima Memorial #healthcare workers

Healthcare Workers Prepare for ULP Strike at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital

On January 17, 2026, nearly 200 healthcare employees at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital, represented by Teamsters Local 760, announced their intention to initiate a strike due to unfair labor practices (ULP). The strike is scheduled to begin at 6:30 AM PT, following the hospital's failure to fulfill its obligation to negotiate a fair contract that encompasses better wages, enhanced health benefits, improved retirement plans, job security, and greater respect in the workplace.

The members of Teamsters Local 760 have been in negotiations with the hospital management since they joined the union in January 2025. However, frustrations have mounted as the hospital has made unilateral changes to working conditions without prior agreement, prompting the filing of multiple ULPs against the management. Union representatives argue that these actions undermine the labor rights of the healthcare workers, who are pivotal in providing essential medical care to the community.

The Teamsters Local 760 is calling on the hospital to engage in genuine negotiations and recognize the significant contributions of healthcare workers. By failing to offer a fair contract, the hospital not only risks the livelihoods of its employees but also jeopardizes the quality of healthcare services provided to patients.

In advance of the strike, union leaders are rallying support from the community, urging local residents to recognize the importance of fair labor practices in healthcare settings. The healthcare workers intend to make their voices heard and showcase their commitment to advocating for better working conditions, which in turn, will enhance the care they provide to patients.

The initial plans for the strike include picketing at the hospital’s main entrance, where union members will gather to express their discontent over the hospital's management practices. The demonstration aims to draw attention to the precarious situation faced by healthcare workers, spotlighting their dedication and the challenges they face under current employment conditions.

The ongoing discussions and subsequent strike highlight a broader movement within the healthcare sector where workers are increasingly vocal about their rights, particularly in the face of rising costs of living and the demanding nature of their roles. As healthcare workers continue to advocate for better treatment and respect, the overall message remains clear: equitable labor practices are essential for maintaining a motivated and effective workforce.

MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital faces a critical juncture as it prepares for the upcoming protests. The outcome of these negotiations has implications beyond the employees involved; it may affect the entire healthcare system in Yakima and set precedents for future labor relations in the industry.

As the community watches closely, the actions taken by both the hospital management and the Teamsters Local 760 will be pivotal in shaping the future of employment practices in Washington State’s healthcare sector. The Teamsters are determined to fight for justice and equity in the workplace, emphasizing that healthcare workers deserve contracts that reflect their vital role in society.

This impending strike serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by unionized employees across various industries, particularly in healthcare, where frontline workers are expected to perform under challenging conditions without the necessary support or compensation. It calls attention to the urgent need for solidarity among workers advocating for their rights and the importance of maintaining an open channel for dialogue between unions and management.

In conclusion, the upcoming strike at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital stands not just as a protest but as a symbol of the collective effort to secure fair treatment for healthcare workers, illuminating the ongoing fight for labor rights across the country.