WASHINGTON, DC - More than 500 healthcare workers at Providence health facilities in Olympia, Washington, today went on strike to protest their employer's decision to shift workers from an affordable healthcare plan that spreads risk over a large pool of workers to a "catastrophic" health plan that exponentially increases deductibles and co-pays, forcing workers and their families to delay critical care.

The health workers, members of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, include all employees except doctors, registered nurses and social workers. If the company fails to reconsider by Wednesday, RNs and social workers will join the other workers in solidarity.
Providence is a profitable five-state healthcare giant with a mission to "care for all." It's unconscionable that it would put profits before people. Following is a statement by SEIU President Mary Kay Henry in support of the workers:

"The 2.1 million members of SEIU stand with workers at Providence St. Peter Hospital and Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice who are striking to stand up against catastrophic plans. These workers risk their health every day to care for others. It's unimaginable that a healthcare company would promote plans that result in worse outcomes and increased bad debt.

"'Catastrophic' high-deductible health plans, including Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), shift the cost of healthcare to individual employees, with devastating effects. Studies show these costly plans put care out of reach of working families and result in not only deferral of needed care but also reduced use of childhood vaccinations, mammograms, and other life-saving preventative care. Under these plans, individuals' health suffers in the short term, and the cost of care increases in the long-term.

"It is neither responsible nor sustainable to shift the high cost of healthcare to individuals, rather than relying on an insured pool. Providence, as a charitable healthcare company, should set the right example by returning all its employees to value-based healthcare plans that promote health and reduce costs."۬

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