December 5, 2025
News Release

Contact:
Barbara Laughon
(760) 873-5811 ext. 3415 [email protected]

NIHD Statement regarding AFSCME ULP Strike

Northern Inyo Healthcare District (NIHD) has been informed that AFSCME Local 315 plans to begin an Unfair Labor Practice strike on Monday, December 15. AFSCME represents two bargaining units at NIHD: The Registered Nurses Unit and the Patient Care Technical Unit. NIHD is working to maintain safe, consistent patient care and support for all teams during this period.

To support continued operations, NIHD is arranging temporary staffing to keep essential services open. Early estimates show that securing these workers for the required five-day period may cost between $650,000 and $900,000. This planning will help hospital, clinic, and emergency services remain available for the community.

Because the union’s announcement includes statements about NIHD, the District is providing additional information. The union has claimed NIHD failed to bargain in good faith and did not negotiate staffing ratios. NIHD disagrees with these claims. The District has participated in open bargaining for six months and has not changed any staffing or scheduling agreements. A written response to the allegation will be posted here.

“Patient care has been NIHD’s purpose for almost 80 years. Our employees help us fulfill that mission every day,” said Chief Executive Officer Christian Wallis, DHA, MBA, FACHE. “We will continue bargaining in good faith and working toward a balanced agreement that supports our staff and preserves access to care for the Eastern Sierra.”

Both NIHD and the union agree that employees should receive fair and competitive compensation. NIHD’s proposal supports this goal while protecting long-term financial stability. It is important to note that all employees in the District receive an automatic 2.5 percent pay increase each year. Because of NIHD’s current $6 million dollar operating loss, and the potential impact of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” NIHD proposed pausing an increase of an additional 3.5 percent wage increase (total of 6%) during the first year of the contract. NIHD also recommended that the wage and benefit negotiations resume in April 2026 when there is a better understanding of the hospitals financial position. The union rejected this proposal stating that they did not agree with the District’s financial analysis and they wanted to have wage increases immediately.

In recent bargaining cycles, NIHD has made wage adjustments to strengthen recruitment and retention. In all areas, including nursing and technical units, wages have increased to approximately 25 percent more than the CPI for their units respectively during the last 10 and five years. These actions reflect NIHD’s ongoing commitment to maintaining competitive pay.

Like other rural healthcare facilities, NIHD continues to face financial pressures, including rising operating and supply costs, increased labor expenses, and changes in reimbursement. These challenges affect the District’s ability to absorb additional ongoing costs. NIHD’s goal in the current negotiations is to find solutions that support employees while preserving access to local healthcare. The District remains committed to continued dialogue.

The union also raised questions about paid time off. NIHD employees can receive up to seven weeks of paid leave per year through a combined PTO system that includes vacation time, sick time, and paid time for eight national holidays. Employees may cash out up to 120 hours of unused PTO each year, with an additional 40 hours available during a PTO freeze. NIHD’s written policy is available to all employees, and Human Resources is available to answer questions.

The union’s announcement also referenced executive salaries. NIHD notes that several executives hold combined or expanded roles to reduce costs and maintain essential services in a small rural hospital. The Chief Operating Officer–Chief Nursing Officer oversees hospital operations and nursing services. The Chief Human Resources Officer–Chief Business Development Officer leads HR functions and business development. The Chief Medical Officer also works clinical shifts as an Emergency Department physician, and the Chief Financial Officer leads financial operations and revenue cycle improvements. Directors also rotate as administrators on call in overnight and non-business hours. Compensation aligns with these responsibilities and market standards.

The District has also seen questions about the CEO’s compensation package. Mr. Wallis’ salary reflects the responsibilities of leading a rural healthcare district and the experience he brings to NIHD. His current salary is lower than his interim CEO rate and, like all employees, is within fair market value for the area and level of work. He has more than 30 years of leadership experience (with 16 years at Chief-level), which supports NIHD as it works through financial pressures, regulatory requirements, and long-term planning. NIHD evaluates executive compensation using market data from similar rural hospitals and notes that CEO pay in neighboring healthcare systems is often higher due to size, scope, and regional factors.

NIHD remains committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement. The District — not the union — requested state mediation after several weeks without a response from the union. The last face-to-face meeting occurred on October 8, and NIHD will continue participating in mediation.

Northern Inyo Hospital, the Rural Health Clinic, and all other NIHD services remain open and operating normally. Any temporary schedule changes during the strike will be announced through NIHD’s website, social media channels, and local media partners.

NIHD will continue focusing on consistent operations and patient care as negotiations proceed. The District appreciates the community’s understanding as it works toward an agreement that balances employee needs, service demands, and the long-term stability of local healthcare.

About Northern Inyo Healthcare District: Founded in 1946, Northern Inyo Healthcare District features a 25-bed critical access hospital, a 24-hour emergency department, a primary care rural health clinic, a diagnostic imaging center, and a rehabilitation service for physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy. We also offer clinics specializing in orthopedics, cardiology, urology, women’s health, pediatrics and allergies, general surgery, colorectal surgery, and breast cancer surgery. Continually striving to improve the health outcomes for those who rely on us for care, NIHD aims to improve our communities, one life at a time. One team, one goal, your health.