Tacoma, Wash. – Citing a commitment to patient care, nearly 100 clinicians—consisting of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and optometrists—at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and clinic locations have filed for union representation with the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD).
The clinicians deliver care to children across Pierce, King, Thurston, and Kitsap Counties in the South Puget Sound region. By gaining a collective voice with a union, they intend to continue fiercely advocating for the resources, staffing levels, and workplace conditions necessary to deliver the highest quality of care to meet the unique healthcare needs of children.
“Every day, these clinicians see the incredible resilience of their young patients and their families,” Dr. Stuart Bussey, UAPD President, said. “These children deserve the best possible care, and that requires the appropriate resources. With a seat at the table, the employer cannot ignore their concerns.”
Clinicians explained that children require specialized attention and continuity of care. By having a structure in place that allows the clinicians to partner with hospital leadership, challenges can be addressed before they impact patient care.
With a union, they are hopeful that MultiCare Mary Bridge will continue to attract and retain qualified healthcare providers committed to serving the region.
About the Union of American Physicians and Dentists
Established in 1972, the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) is the largest bicoastal union for licensed doctors and advanced practice clinicians in the nation—representing more than 7,000 private and public-sector healthcare practitioners. Affiliated with AFSCME and the AFL-CIO, UAPD brings the strength of the labor movement to the aid of providers in the interest of better medicine for all. Learn more at www.uapd.com.
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