St. Luke's Rehabilitation Institute

It’s time again for our quarterly Local Unit meeting

Recently, we have had several issues arise involving computer charting and discipline.  WSNA wants to take this opportunity to have a meeting to talk with you about how you can keep yourself safe from consequences and out of trouble.  This meeting will be very informative.  You can’t afford to miss it!

When:  June 11th, 2013 from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Where:
The Steam Plant Grill  
(159 S. Lincoln St., Ste 1, Spokane)
Parking is free ½ block north of the Steam Plant

Why:  You are our FIRST priority.  We want to protect you!

Lastly, mark your calendars.

Your WSNA Nurse Rep Jaclyn Perkins, BSN, RN wants to be available at all shift times for you.  She will be at St. Luke’s on the following days and times to help answer any questions you may have.  Stop by and say hi.
June 11th – from 11 am to 12:30 pm (In the cafeteria)
July 17th – From 9 pm to 10:30 pm (In foyer outside of chapel)
August 15th – from 1 pm to 3 pm (In foyer outside of chapel)

Questions?  Call Jaclyn Perkins BSN, RN Nurse Representative at 206-575-7979, ext. 3118

WSNA and St. Luke’s Rehab Management have come to an agreement resolving issues which occurred in regards to Clinical ladder, and accrual rates of PTO/EIB.  We now have two MOU’s that benefit and protect you, and we are ready to vote them for ratification.

WSNA is recommending a "YES” vote

Come cast your vote!
When:  May 22nd, 2013
From: 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm in room 1033A/B

Must be a member in good standing to vote.  If you are not a member, and would like more information on becoming one, come to the vote and find out how you can join.  Help support your bargaining unit.

Questions?  Call your Nurse Representative, Jaclyn Perkins BSN, RN 1-800-231-8482 ext: 3118.

You have won your association grievance in regards to Low Census!

What Happened?

WSNA was notified there were Bargaining Unit members who were low censused incorrectly and forced to take mandatory low census days out of turn.  We also heard that preceptors were not included in this rotation and were never asked to share in low census. Because of this, WSNA filed an Association grievance to protect you, your workplace equality and your rights. 

Through hard work from WSNA and your Local Unit Officers, you have prevailed St. Luke’s Bargaining Unit. 

What does this mean?

For those of you, who were low censused incorrectly from Dec. 17th through Jan. 10th, you will see a form of reimbursement to you on your April 19th, 2013 pay stub.  This will be either or both: 

1. Retro pay for hours which you should have worked (plus applicable differentials) but didn’t due to low census.
2. And/or PTO time during this time frame, which you used due to being low censused incorrectly.  

Make note: If you feel you should have been part of this grievance settlement, but believe you were not included, call your Nurse Rep, Jaclyn Perkins, BSN, RN.

Remember, without the support of WSNA, none of this would be possible.   Don't forget, it’s good to be a WSNA Bargaining Unit member.  In fact...it "pays"! Join now and support your Local Unit!

If you have any questions?  Call Jaclyn Perkins, BSN, RN, Nurse Rep, 206-575-7979, ext: 3118. or email jperkins@wsna.org.

Congratulations St. Luke’s Bargaining Unit

It’s time again for your WSNA Local Unit meeting.  Don’t miss out March 7th

Our educational topic for this Local Unit meeting is:  Low census and AE rotation

Have you ever asked yourself???
“Are they sure it’s my turn to stay home today?”
“I thought I got a mandatory AE last time?”
“How does low census affect preceptors and preceptees?”
If you have these questions, we have answers!

Other agenda items to update you on:

• Effective Labor Management meetings.  Find out what we discussed in Nov, and what problems are resolved!
• As always we want to hear from you.  The last part of our meeting will be open discussion to hear your feedbacks, thoughts and experiences!

Be involved St. Luke’s.
We are meeting at the Steam Plant Grill at 159 S. Lincoln St., Ste. 1
March 7th from 5 pm to 7 pm
Free parking half a block north of the Steam Plant in the diamond parking lot

Remember:  Your Bargaining Unit and your contract are only as strong as your membership. Fill out and mail to WSNA.  It’s that easy!

Questions?  Call Jaclyn Perkins, BSN, RN, Nurse Rep. at 206-575-7979, ext. 3118 or jperkins@wsna.org

It’s time again for your WSNA Local Unit meeting, don’t miss out - November 28th

Our educational topic for this Local Unit meeting is:  The Grievance Process
Have you ever asked yourself?

• “I have heard about grievances… but what exactly are they?”
• “How do I know I have a grievance?”
• “What is the process if I file a grievance?”

If you have these questions, we have answers!

Other agenda items to update you on:

• Effective Labor Management meetings.  Find out what we discussed in Sept, and what problems are resolved.
• As always we want to hear from you.  The last part of our meeting will be open discussion to hear your feedback, thoughts and experiences.

Be involved St. Luke’s.
We are meeting at the Steam Plant Grill (159 S Lincoln St, Ste 1)
November 28th from 5pm to 7pm
Free parking half a block north of the Steam Plant (In the Diamond Parking Lot)

Remember:  Your Bargaining Unit and your contract are only as strong as your membership

Join today, click here.  Fill out and mail to WSNA, it’s that easy. 
Questions?  Call Jaclyn Perkins, BSN, RN, Nurse Rep at 206-575-7979, ext. 3118 or email jperkins@wsna.org.

WSNA and St. Luke’s Rehab Management have come to an agreement resolving issues which occurred in regards to accrual rates of PTO.  We now have an MOU that benefits and protects YOU, and we are ready to vote it for ratification!

At this time, WSNA is recommending a “YES” vote
Come cast your vote

When:  November 15th, 2012
From: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm in Room 1033A

Remember, it’s never too late to become involved.

Only bargaining unit members are eligible to vote.  If you are unclear about your eligibility or would like to become a bargaining unit member, please contact the membership department at WSNA directly at 1-800-231-8482 or membership@wsna.org as soon as possible to find out how.

You can also join at the time of the vote.  Come, learn more, begin getting the benefits of WSNA, and cast your vote.

Questions?  Call your Nurse Representative Jaclyn Perkins, BSN, RN 1-800-231-8482, ext. 3118.

Celebrate Your Victory!  You have won your Preceptor Pay Association Grievance!

What Happened?
Since ratification, WSNA was notified there were Bargaining Unit members who spent time working, training and/or precepting their peers, but were not compensated according to the new agreed upon Preceptor Pay Premium rate of $1.00/hr in your contract.  Because of this, WSNA filed an Association grievance to protect you and your rights! 

Through hard work from WSNA and your Local Unit Officers, you have prevailed St. Luke’s Bargaining Unit!

What Does This Mean?
For those of you who spent time working, training and/or precepting your peers but were not compensated according to your contract, you will now see your pay for all hours worked in one lump sum in your Sept 7th, 2012 paycheck.  This sum is retroactive for all time spent precepting, back until March 18th, 2012, which is the first full pay cycle after your contract ratification.

Don’t forget, it’s good to be a WSNA Bargaining Unit member!  In fact, it “PAYS”!
Be involved St. Luke’s.  Your Bargaining Unit, and your contract, are only as strong as your membership.  Join Now!

If you have any questions, call Jaclyn Perkins BSN, RN, Nurse Rep at 206-575-7979 ext: 3118 or email at jperkins@wsna.org.

Congratulations St Luke’s Bargaining Unit!

Recently, WSNA became aware of possible retaliation for Union activity going on with your fellow Bargaining Unit members.  WSNA has taken swift action and doing everything we can to support, represent, and fight against this problem to protect you! 

This is not okay.  We take this matter very seriously.
DON’T FORGET!
WSNA works for you!

We are committed to protecting you and your rights in the workplace.  Know that you are not alone if you raise your voice to be heard.  Never hesitate to call your Nurse Representative. 

Remember, if you have to think about whether something is right or wrong… it’s wrong.

Be involved St. Luke’s.  Your Bargaining Unit and your contract are only as strong as your membership.  Show your Co-workers your Support and Unity.  Join Now!

Questions??  Call Jaclyn Perkins, BSN, RN, Nurse Rep. 206-575-7979, ext: 3118. or jperkins@wsna.org

We had an overwhelming turnout of Bargaining Unit members to vote and your living document has PASSED with flying colors.  At this time, they have gone to print, and we will get them to you quickly. 

Other items to look for!
Your Nurse Rep will also be at your facility at the following times.  We want to make ourselves more available to you.  Come ask questions.  We have answers.

Where?  The St. Luke’s Café

When?  
March 21st, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
May 3rd, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
June 7th, 9:30 am to 11:30 am

MARK YOUR CALENDERS 
Your next Local Unit meeting is May 3rd from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Steam Plant Grill.  We have heard from you - St. Luke’s Bargaining Unit, so therefore WSNA is responding to your request.  At the next Local Unit meeting, we will be discussing PTO and EIB. 
Know Your Rights.  You can not afford to miss this.

REMEMBER:  It’s never too late to become a WSNA member and support your Local Unit along with your co-workers.  Applications can be found on the bulletin boards on each unit or the WSNA website. 

Email Jaclyn Perkins BSN, RN if you have any questions at jperkins@wsna.org.
The strength of your contract is reflected in the strength of your membership!  Join today!  It’s never too late!

Our 4th day of negotiations is complete.  Management continues to hold you back by doing the following:

• Their last proposal only indicated one pay increase in 4 ½ years.
• Management has also refused all of our Safe Staffing proposals.
• We have also heard Management has communicated to the nurses at St. Luke’s that our Safe Staffing proposals are only money driven.  This is not true!  An increase in pay for you would serve as a disincentive to them.  Because of this, it would encourage Management to staff your units more safely and appropriately.
• Management also wants to put the obligation on you to get coverage for your meal and rest breaks.
• They continue to push and force their proposal of PTO/EIB.

What would this mean for you?
If you were sick, this would force you to use at least 2 days of vacation leave before you can use any of your sick time.

These are major changes for you and your working conditions.

Unfortunately, we have made minimal progress at the table.  Management has also canceled our last prescheduled day of negotiations because they refused to meet with us without a federal mediator present.  At this time, we are waiting to hear when our next day of bargaining will be.

Stay tuned for more updates 
Membership is increasing - St. Luke’s nurses are joining and standing together
Our bargaining unit is stronger 
Don’t be left behind.  Join today.  Have a Voice.

• Third day into bargaining and Management proposes MORE TAKE-AWAYS!
• Our repeated concerns about safe staffing have fallen on deaf ears.  In fact your management has now proposed to decrease your 15 minute rest breaks to 10 minutes.   Management actually stated the reason they decided to propose this take away was they have heard nurses don’t like to take rest breaks.  Nurses need their full 15 minute rest breaks so they can safely care for patients.  Do they want a fatigued nurse caring for their loved ones? 
• Management continues to reject our proposal which would allow the nurses to have a voice in health benefit changes.  
• Due to the concerns raised by your negotiating team about unsafe parking, the hospital now has decided to put a call box in the parking lot on the hill.  This is a start at resolving this issue, so please thank your negotiating team nurses for their tenacity with this issue. 
• Our next negotiation dates are November 28th and December 2nd.  Remember to wear BLUE on these days in a show of solidarity.  

Support your negotiation team by becoming a member.  Only members can vote on the contract. 

Join Today And Have A Say!

This Impacts You!

Wanting Better Coverage?  Wanting Better Health Benefits?
Are you carrying dependents?  Or a Spouse?
Do you wish you had a say in how this is constructed and decided?

Your union – the Washington State Nurses Association – has just been informed by management that it intends to increase your health insurance costs for 2012.  Currently, St. Luke’s has the FULL discretion to change the details of  your health benefits.

Don’t You Think It’s Time You Had a Say?

For the last two years, there have been increases to the premium costs for the benefits plans.  In 2011, you were forced to endure a 10% increase in premiums to your 70/30 high deductable plan.  For the year 2012, Management is forcing you again to take an additional 9% increase in this same premium, and a 13% increase in premiums for the primary plan.

While in 2012 you may be receiving an 8.75% decrease for primary and basic dental plans, don’t forget, in 2011 you received a 7.1% increase to the Primary Plan and Basic dental plans.

Currently, for the year 2012, Management will require an increase to all plan deductibles/co insurance.  Your High Deductable Health Savings plan will cost YOU $1,500 for the employee only, and $3,000 for a family deductable.  Only then, will your 80% benefit apply, up to the coinsurance max amount.

What Can You Do?

Contract bargaining is going on right now!
We need your help to win improvements that will offset these new costs.

Your bargaining committee is fighting for higher wages, safe staffing (with no mandatory low census), and union security.  WSNA has also proposed a “maintenance of benefits” clause that is common in most union contracts, and prevents employers from reducing benefits or increasing costs without first bargaining with your union.  If we are able to win this clause, then St. Luke’s will not be able to surprise you with costs increases without first bargaining.

Come learn more about what’s at stake in bargaining.
Meet your Negotiating Team: Peg Freund, Kristy Romero, Linda Spurgeon, Marie Hutchinson, Cheryl McDaniel, and Fran Bouck!
See how a good union contract makes a RNs job better!
Join us November 7th from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Drop in any time!
3906 East Myrtle Court, Spokane

We want to help you gain a greater control!  To do this, we need strength in numbers!  Which means increase in membership!!

You Matter to WSNA, and WSNA Matters To You!
Join Today to Have Your Say!

The second session of negotiations between WSNA and St. Lukes is complete.  Currently, we have had a few changes, which have mostly been clean up.  We have agreed to a contract extension, which allows you to continually be protected by your contract.

How you can get more informed and involved!
Your Negotiating Team is hosting an Open House for you.
Please come, learn more about negotiations and what is at stake.
Have cheese and chocolates with special refreshments provided by your Local Unit. 
Feeling Lucky?  There will be door prizes.  Enter for your chance to win!

When?  November 7th from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
               Drop in any time

Where?  3906 East Myrtle Court, Spokane

Why?  Because this affects you.  This is your Bargaining Unit and your contract.

Note:  Next two negotiation sessions are November 15th and 28th.  Watch for updates and further action.  Wear blue and buttons on these days to show your support.
 

Your bargaining team kicked off negotiations with St. Luke’s on Friday, Oct. 21.  The first session was a HUGE disappointment.  Your team presented some of its proposals for improvements to YOUR contract. 

Management presented more than 24 takeaways in its initial proposal.

Management seeks to delay the bargaining process despite the contract’s upcoming expiration date.  Management WALKED OUT of the first session after WSNA insisted that the negotiation team be released from work to attend agreed-upon negotiation sessions.  While the management team is made up of six paid managers, management will only guarantee that three out of six, of YOUR bargaining team members will be released from work.  These members are using their OWN unpaid time to represents YOUR interests!!  Management refuses to guarantee, even the right to take off work for no-pay to be at the bargaining table.

St. Luke’s management is also refusing to meet at St. Luke’s.  This prevents you from easily participating or viewing the bargaining.

Get Involved Now! If you want a say, join today!
 

The following RNs have been working hard, around the clock to prepare and represent you for negotiations!

Give a pat on the back to the RNs working on your contract!

Kristy Romero
Linda Spurgeon
Peg Freund
Marie Hutchinson
Fran Bouck
Cheryl McDaniel

St. Luke’s Nurses!!! 
This is YOUR negotiating TEAM!!

Make note: The following days, we will be negotiating!
Oct. 21st and 25th.

In Solidarity!

Attention Spokane area nurses! Over 200 nurses signed up to attend the WSNA Spokane area nurses Unity Dinner.  Attached is a news bulletin  (PDF; 1.75 MB) with pictures and descriptions of the fun filled and energetic event. See if you recognize any of your fellow nurses enjoying a lovely evening of solidarity and unity together.

Join us in a night of celebration, unity & solidarity. The Inland Empire Nurses Association and your local units are sponsoring an incredible event that you do not want to miss! Join your fellow WSNA Spokane area nurses at the Davenport Hotel for a FREE dinner with hors d’oeuvres and dessert and a no host bar. We will have exciting speakers, great conversations, door prizes, and a whole lot of FUN!!! You do not want to miss this incredible event. You must RSVP to reserve your seat as space is limited.

WHEN: Thursday, April 21st

TIME: 5:30-8:30pm

WHERE: Davenport Hotel, 10 South Post St., Spokane, WA

COST:  FREE!

RSVP TODAY: Call 1-800-231-8482, ext. 0 or Email:   imueller@wsna.org

Please indicate your facility and clearly spell your last name

WSNA would personally like to say congratulations to the following members who have been elected by your local unit!  Please take the time to thank them, and get to know them as well!

Chair – Peggy Freund
Treasurer – Valerie Brock

Your dedication and hard work is appreciated!