Last week, 14 Hospice Chaplains from the CHI Franciscan Hospice Care Center in University Place, WA voted overwhelmingly to join the IAM, becoming the first group of Chaplains to be organized by the IAM.
Hospice Chaplains, who provide counseling and emotional and spiritual support to patients, families and staff throughout King, Pierce and Kitsap Counties, were inspired to join the IAM because their belief of putting human dignity first and foremost aligns with the IAM’s.
“I am honored these workers trust me and the vision of the IAM to aid them in a better working life for generations of Chaplains to come,” said IAM Grand Lodge Representative Gabby Rogano. “They collectively came together to ensure the values of reverence, integrity, compassion and excellence are kept at the forefront of their work providing patient care.”
“This Chaplain organizing victory proves that everyone needs to have the security and protection of a collective bargaining agreement, regardless of their role within the company,” said IAM Organizing Director Vinny Addeo. “Adding the Chaplains to our other newly organized groups at CHI Franciscan Hospice Care only makes us stronger.”
“It only makes sense to open our arms to these new members,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “As a man of faith myself, it is my belief that we have very common values in as such as we help and serve those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all. I know that DL 751 will help make their work lives easier while helping them accomplish their mission.”
The Chaplains join more than 100 Registered Nurses and 44 Master Social Workers and Bereavement Counselors from the same hospice care center in becoming a part of the IAM family.
These organizing wins have been a result of the IAM’s initiative to grow its footprint in the healthcare sector with the creation of the IAM Healthcare Department.
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