Some union workers at Sacred Heart are not participating in the strike

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Not all Sacred Heart healthcare union workers are participating in the current strike, according to hospital leadership.

Wednesday marked the third day in an eight-day strike at Sacred Heart Medical Center. Workers are picketing in hopes of negotiating a new and improved contract from Providence, but not all union members have joined the strike.

"We had several more than what is normal for a strike of this nature of current union caregivers who chose to come into the building and take care of patients," said Susan Stacey, Providence Inland Northwest's Chief Executive.

The hospital has hired outside staff to replace the current openings from the strike. According to Stacey, there have been minimal interruptions and most surgeries are going on as scheduled.

"Strikes are expensive and we have been working with an agency and paying what's a national rate for this level of skilled provider who comes from really across the country to take care of patients," said Stacey.

Healthcare workers would like to see Stacey come to the bargaining table.

In response, she said she has full confidence in the bargaining team to do their jobs.

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