University of Washington Medical Center

• We completed our 6th Negotiations Session on Thursday, June 13th.
• We exchanged package proposals and have narrowed the remaining priorities even further.
• We are working hard to hold off takeaways and are actively negotiating over wages.

Our next scheduled session is set for Friday June 21st.

Thanks to all of the MIC and E.D. RNs that responded to our surveys!

For updates from UWMC and other items of interest around the state, visit www.wsna.org.
 
A big thanks to your 2013 Negotiations Team for all of their time and effort!

United — We Will Prevail!
 
Your 2013 WSNA Negotiations Team members are:  Harry James RN, O.R., Terri Gartman RN, MIC, Anita Stull RN, Inpatient Psych, Douglas Harper RN, NICU, Mary Mentele RN, PACU, Teresa Wren RN, MIC, Nan Kraft RN, 5NE, Colleen Zakar RN, Surgical Specialties Clinic

 

We completed our 5th Negotiations Session on Thursday, June 6th. We traded proposals on working conditions and were able to agree on some preliminary proposals.  UWMC administration submitted a counter to our original wage proposal that we will consider for future modification.

We appreciate all of those RNs that attended our recent Local Unit Meeting, responded to the surveys and provided feedback.  Your opinions set the course for our negotiations!
 
Our next scheduled session is set for Thursday, June 13th.
 
A big thanks to your 2013 Negotiations Team for all of their time and effort!

United — We Will Prevail!
 
Your 2013 WSNA Negotiations Team members are:  Harry James RN, O.R., Terri Gartman RN, MIC, Anita Stull RN, Inpatient Psych, Douglas Harper RN, NICU, Mary Mentele RN, PACU, Teresa Wren RN, MIC, Nan Kraft RN, 5NE, Colleen Zakar RN, Surgical Specialties Clinic
 

We completed our 4th Negotiation Session on Wednesday May 28th.
We traded proposals on working conditions and had more conversation around the economic
proposals.  Our next scheduled session is set for Thursday, June 6th.
 
Upcoming Local Unit Meeting!!! (Your chance to speak with members of your WSNA Negotiations Team)

When:  Tuesday, June 4th
Where:  Cafeteria Conference Room "D"
Time:  2:30pm -4:30pm

WSNA Lead Negotiator will give update presentations at 2:30pm and 3:30pm sharp, so be sure to be there one of these times.  This is your opportunity to voice your opinion on changes that could affect YOU!  Bring a friend and be heard.
We especially encourage all RNs working in the E.D. and MIC to show up and voice your opinion.
 
Beverages and snacks provided by your local unit officers

Your 2013 WSNA Negotiations Team members are:  Harry James RN, O.R., Terri Gartman RN, MIC, Anita Stull RN, Inpatient Psych, Douglas Harper RN, NICU, Mary Mentele RN, PACU, Teresa Wren RN, MIC, Nan Kraft RN, 5NE, Colleen Zakar RN, Surgical Specialties Clinic

Please complete this one question survey!  This survey is for informational purposes only. 
This information will be used by your WSNA negotiations team only.
Your personal indentifying information will be kept confidential.
 
Here is the link to the survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/UWASH-ED

Please complete this one question survey!  This survey is for informational purposes only. 
This information will be used by your WSNA negotiations team only.
Your personal indentifying information will be kept confidential.
 
Here is the link to the survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/UWASH-MIC

We completed our second Negotiation Session with UWMC management and administration on Wednesday, May 15th.  We had meaningful dialogue around WSNA original proposals and UWMC opening proposals.  The employer has made some proposals around the implementation of Kronos time keeping and efforts to accommodate that system.  WSNA is expecting their remaining proposals, including one that addresses wages, by the end of our next session on Thursday, May 23rd.

WSNA Nurse Representative, Ed Zercher will be available for any questions you may have on Tuesday, May 28th, 2013 from 9am till 11am in the rear of the UWMC 1st floor cafeteria.  Look for the WSNA banner.

Our next scheduled Negotiations Session is set for Thursday, May 23rd, 2013.

We will continue to represent your needs as identified by you and your fellow RN colleagues!

Stay informed to the progress of your WSNA Negotiations team on the website.

Your 2013 WSNA Negotiations Team members are:  Harry James RN, O.R., Terri Gartman RN, MIC, Anita Stull RN, Inpatient Psych, Douglas Harper RN, NICU, Mary Mentele RN, PACU, Teresa Wren RN, MIC, Nan Krafft RN, 5NE, Colleen Zakar RN, Surgical Specialties Clinic

If you see these folks, be sure to give them a “Thanks” for their time, dedication and advocacy.

In Solidarity,
Ed Zercher BSN, RN, WSNA Nurse Representative  

University of Washington MC Registered Nurses

Our 2013 Negotiations began yesterday (Wednesday, May 8th) with our first meeting with hospital administration and management.

WSNA presented our opening proposals and had discussions about working conditions at UWMC.  We are expecting counter proposals by the employer over the next couple of sessions.

WSNA Nurse Representative, Ed Zercher will be available for any questions you may have on Thursday, May 16th 2013 from 10am till noon in the rear of the UWMC 1st floor cafeteria.  Look for the WSNA banner.

Our next scheduled Negotiations Session is set for Wednesday, May 15th 2013.

We will continue to represent your needs as identified by you and your fellow RN colleagues.

Stay informed to the progress of your WSNA Negotiations team at the WSNA website.

Your 2013 WSNA Negotiations Team members are:  Harry James RN, O.R., Terri Gartman RN, MIC, Anita Stull RN, Inpatient Psych, Douglas Harper RN, NICU, Mary Mentele RN, PACU, Teresa Wren RN, MIC, Nan Kraft RN, 5NE, Colleen Zakar RN, Surgical Specialties Clinic

If you see these folks, be sure to give them a “Thanks” for their time, dedication and advocacy.

In Solidarity,
Ed Zercher BSN, RN, WSNA Nurse Representative                                 
 

WSNA Representative Ed Zercher will be available for any questions or concerns that you may have on Monday April 29th from 10am to Noon in the Rear of the Cafeteria.  Stop in for a few minutes on your break.

Our first bargaining session is set for May 8th 2013.  Your WSNA Negotiation team RNs have met on 3 separate occasions to review Negotiation Surveys and establish priorities as identified by RNs working throughout a variety of settings at UWMC.

You may have some questions and we are always looking to get updates on any changes on your unit.

Look for the WSNA banners and come with a colleague in order to get the scoop on any items that you need to address.

See you on the 29th!

Ed Zercher
ezercher@wsna.org
WSNA Nurse Representative BSN, RN

We completed our 3rd Negotiations Session with UWMC Administration and Management.  All Proposals have now been put on the table.  The employer presented their first wage proposal counter.  There will be further negotiations on all economic subjects.  The employer introduced proposals that intend to affect:

• Rest Between Shifts
• Changes in daily shift length and scheduling flexibility
• Mandatory On-call requirements in Emergency Department as well as Labor and Delivery
• Compensatory time accrual and usage

Our next bargaining session is set for Wednesday May 29th.  We are waiting for the employer to respond to WSNA proposals affecting working conditions.

Upcoming Local Unit Meeting for all WSNA/UWMC Registered Nurses!

Date: Tuesday June 4th
Time: 2:30-4:30pm
Location: Cafeteria Room "D"

Stop in to get an update on Negotiations and find out how proposed changes may affect you!
(Snacks and beverages provided)

Calling all UWMC RNs!

We are gearing up to start negotiations for our contract that expires June 30, 2013.
We need your feedback in an effort to represent all of your needs.
This short online survey will be an important part of preparation for your negotiation team members. 

Surveys must be completed by February 20, 2013 so don’t wait, click here!

We are looking for RNs from all areas of UWMC who are interested in being a part of the Negotiating Team.  You must be a WSNA member in good standing to be on the Negotiating Team.  You must also be a WSNA member in good standing in order to Vote on the contract. 
If you have an interest in being a part of our 2013 Negotiating team, please indicate this on the survey.

For questions contact Nurse Representative, Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org or call 206-575-7979 ext 3022.

click here

Click here to see it.

Everyone who has a home address on file will be receiving a CD in the mail with your contract on it within the next few weeks.  If you are not sure as to whether you have an address on file or just want to update your information, contact WSNA Membership Coordinator, Mary Peterson at mpeterson@wsna.org or call her at 206-575-7979 ext 3025.

For questions about your contract, please contact WSNA Nurse Representative, Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org.

Attention all WSNA/UWMC Registered Nurses

On May 15, 2012, we had an amazing turnout of RNs for our contract ratification vote and the voting members have accepted it by an over-whelming majority!! 
 
Congratulation on a job well done and a hardy thanks to our team of Registered Nurses that spent countless hours preparing and strategizing for these negotiations.  I want to send out a personal thanks to everyone who continues to support WSNA and all of the Registered Nurses at UWMC.  This is evidence, once again, that when we stand united, great things get accomplished.  Our membership continues to grow: for those who have not yet become a member, stand up and have a voice! 

Join today by filling out a membership form.
 
           ** Participate ** Represent ** Unite ** Prevail **
 
For any questions or concerns, please email your WSNA Nurse Representative Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org. 
 

Attention all WSNA/ UWMC Registered Nurses!!

We have reached a Tentative Agreement!!

WSNA and your Negotiating Team RNs have represented the voice of the Nurses at UWMC!!

We fought off OUTRAGEOUS proposals aimed at taking away the few things remaining that make UWMC a favorable place to seek employment.

We fought off proposals such as:

• Mandatory Low Census..........this amounts to daily lay-offs;
• Mandatory Call for Emergency Department and Labor and Delivery......aimed at filling core staffing holes instead of staffing appropriately;
• Removal of your 28 day/160 hour work schedule option.....this would have eliminated your self scheduling flexibility;
• Unilateral changes in shift length at the employer's discretion......no more predictability with this one;
• The gutting of your Rest Between Shifts Language.....work more and get paid less.  Fatigue and appropriate staffing were clearly not priorities for Administration when they set out to change this language!

What we came away with:

• A one year contract duration.
• A $1 (one dollar) per hour premium for a BSN or higher degree in Nursing starting in October 2012.  This currently represents more than 2.2 million dollars per year back into the pocket of RNs!!
• A "ME-TOO" clause for any raises attained by Harborview RNs during this contract cycle of July 1, 2012-June 30, 2012.  This would include any positive changes in the Annual Steps as well.
• Change in sick call provision that requires a minimum of 2 (two) hours of advanced notice for all shifts.

Nurses got engaged in the process by coming to the Rally, LU meetings and paying attention to communications from WSNA.  This is what turned the table.  You should all be applauded for taking notice and an interest in what was happening.  You paid attention and acted…now you have a TA that preserves your long-standing benefits and rewards your commitment.

We mandated the things that you told us were most important to you!  We fought hard to stress the value of Registered Nurses at UWMC for now and the foreseeable future.

6 Negotiations Sessions
3 Mediation Sessions and ...........
We are finally there!!!!!

Show Up and Rock The Vote for Contract Ratification on
Tuesday, May 15th 2012.
Room number and times to follow.

If you have caught even so much as a glimpse of how nurses have been treated throughout this process and you have not yet elected to become a member of WSNA, it is NOT TOO LATE to join WSNA as a member in good standing and VOTE on May 15, 2012.  Membership matters.  Join today!  Join today by calling Mary Peterson in Membership at 206-575-7979, ext. 3025 and have your voice count.

If you have ever wondered what power WSNA has and what we do for you???…..now you know.  Our unity and strength is in our numbers.  YOU are WSNA!!
Together we bargain
Divided we beg

In Solidarity,

Ed Zercher, BSN, RN
WSNA Nurse Representative

And a major applause and congratulations goes out to your WSNA Registered Nurses that spent so much of their time and efforts ensuring a positive outcome.
Harry James, RN-O.R., Terri Gartman, RN-L&D, Anita Stull, RN-Psych, Theresa Wren, RN-L&D, Mary Mentele, RN-PACU, Kathy Higgins, RN-PACU, Doug Harper, RN-Resource Team, Colleen Zakar, RN-Surgical Specialties and WSNA Lead Negotiator Laura Anderson.

Your WSNA Negotiations team of Registered Nurses met with UWMC Administration for a second Mediation session on Friday, March 30th.

This was the eighth session in total, and management has not moved any closer to hearing the voice of the nurses!

The items that remain on the table are:

• Management still wants to eliminate your 28/160 scheduling option and the flexibility that goes along with being able to arrange your shifts and trades over a 4 week period.
• Management wants the ability to modify your shift length with little or no advance notice to the nurse. This could change your ability to plan child care and activities outside of work. 
• Management wants to be able to create mandatory on-call hours for additional units. This will force RNs to work more than full time without having any input.
• Management wants to minimize the number of hours of rest between shifts that WSNA believes is safe and pay you less in return for your working during these very short periods of essential rest

Many items remain outstanding and while WSNA made a very fair and comprehensive proposal that we believed captured the needs and desires of the RNs at UWMC, administration failed to respond to this reasonable proposal.

We are scheduled to have one more day of Mediation on Monday, April 23rd. Despite management showing a general lack of interest in addressing the needs of the RNs, WSNA will continue to represent your needs and push to get an agreement that makes sense for the Nurses we represent.

For updates, check back here, and feel free to email WSNA Nurse Representative Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org.

Show up for our Rally For Solidarity of Tuesday, April 3rd from 3:45-4:45 (or anytime in between) to show your support, hear local and national speakers and enter to will great prizes donated by your local unit!

Rally for Solidarity!! Tues,  April 3rd 3:45 PM til 5 PM 
(Across Pacific Ave. from the medical center main entrance, look for the blue awning!)

What Happened at Mediation Session #2 held Friday March 30th?  Are the benefits that brought you to UWMC being threatened?  Is your voice being heard and respected?
 
Hear the latest information regarding your contract negotiations.

Time to Rally together!  Get a sweet pick-me-up and support the hard work and long hours your Negotiation Team has volunteered on your behalf.  Small amount of your time will go a very long way in providing the visible support that is needed now.

Short…  Sweet and in your own back yard.

State and National Nursing Leaders will be here to support UWMC Nurses.
Get answers to your questions.  Let your voice be heard! 

This is a family friendly event so bring your family and friends so they can continue to show their support for you and the rest of the nurses at UWMC in your efforts to provide superior care.
You do NOT stand alone.
 

Your WSNA negotiations team of RNs met with UWMC Administration for Mediation on Feb. 29th.

We DID NOT walk away with any agreements and in fact, UWMC Administration continues to push to:

• make sure that RNs work longer hours for less money by stripping your Rest-Between-Shifts language.  Nurse fatigue and patient endangerment are not even being considered here.
• be able to lengthen your shift length at their discretion...WITHOUT your consent....anytime they feel it is appropriate.
• take away your 28 day/160 hour scheduling option.  This is what currently allows you 4 weeks over which to plan your schedule.  This change could cut your self scheduling flexibility into single week blocks....no exceptions!
• require mandatory call be taken in additional patient care units.  This means that they want to be able to force Nurses to work above their FTE so that the Medical Center does not have to hire, train and pay benefits for newly hired staff.  This is nothing more than a 2 for 1 deal for UWMC that exploits the generosity and loyalty of their faithful RNs.

Here is the bottom line.....UWMC Administration is letting you know, in no uncertain terms, that they want you to revolve your life around work and do so strictly on their terms.  They are sending the message that "Work-Life Balance" is a thing of the past and RNs should be at the Beck and Call of the Medical Center.  They want you to work when they want and for as long as they want.  These negotiations have shown a complete lack of respect for the RNs that are what make UWMC successful.

Get involved now – time is of the essence!  It’s time to let your Chief Nursing Officer know that these proposals are unacceptable.  As soon as possible - email Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org and describe why the UWs proposals are unacceptable to you and for your patients.  We will gather your responses and forward to Lorie Wild.  If you want to have input, but not use your name, let me know and I will extract your comments only.  

Stay tuned for information on how you can help and keep on the lookout for WSNA staff coming to your units to get your input and fill you in on the details of this continued absurdity! For questions or input, email Nurse Representative Ed Zercher.

After six sessions and months of work, WSNA has elected Mediation as a means to facilitate the negotiations process.  We have agreed upon a Public Employment Relations Commission mediator and set a date to meet for February 29th.  WSNA is hopeful that UWMC administration will hear the voices of the nurses that have stood up over the last 6 months and boldly stated that "if the benefits that brought me to UWMC go away, so will I."  Several of the proposals from UWMC management could pose significant patient safety risks and disrupt the lives of the caregivers that spend the most time caring for the patients, YOU the NURSES!  Be on the lookout in the case that we have a call to action in order to show UWMC that our nurses DESERVE RESPECT!
 
WSNA Nurse Representative and Local Unit leaders will be available in the rear of the 1st floor Cafeteria to answer any questions that you may have from 0730 till noon on Monday, February 6, 2012.  You can also call our toll free 24 hour negotiations hotline at 1-855-OUR-WSNA for updates.

6th Session Completed and Still Nothing!!

There has been no movement by Administration towards finding common ground.  While your WSNA Negotiations Team has made compelling arguments, presentations, provided data and created reasonable proposals. Administration continues to stonewall progress.  WSNA does not believe that it is fiscally responsible to schedule more negotiation sessions if Administration refuses to consider our fair and equitable proposals.
       
We are seeking to move to Mediation and will provide the dates of these meetings as soon as we are able to identify them.  We will not continue to take “NO” for an answer and UWMC Administration and Management will have to wake up and see that simply doing nothing is unacceptable.  Stay tuned for updates on this process and how you can get involved in letting UWMC Administration and Management know that Nurses are the lifeline of the Hospital and the driver of the significant profits that the University Medical Center has posted for the last two years running.
       
Where is our power and strength?  It is in the very nurses that stand together to protect the future of health care and the future success of UWMC!  Come and speak with your WSNA Nurse Representative Ed Zercher and your Negotiation Team Members on December 8th in the rear of the 1st floor cafeteria from 7:30am-Noon.  With the amazing support from all of the Registered Nurses working at UWMC and persistence and expert representation of your Negotiating Team RNs, we will prevail.
       
Get involved.  Be on the look-out for WSNA Local Unit Officer Election ballots arriving in mid-December.  If you are interested in becoming a WSNA Chairperson, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Grievance Officer, or Membership officer, please contact Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org to get your name on the ballot.  All Candidates must be members in good standing.   If you are not currently a member, there is no better time to join. 

Call 1-855-OUR-WSNA for Negotiation updates.

Attention all UWMC Registered Nurses

At the beginning of October 2011, University of Washington Medical Center announced the roll-out of their 2011 Influenza Vaccination campaign.

Here is some information that WSNA believes you should know:
UWMC communications have indicated that the only way that you could decline a flu shot was to have a medical excuse from a provider.   We discovered that information was inaccurate and that you CAN decline this without a medical excuse.

Flu vaccinations are NOT mandatory for hospital personnel
(see pages 11 and 23 of UWMC Employee Influenza Vaccination module)

• WSNA believes that a voluntary vaccination program is only one component of a comprehensive influenza prevention policy.  To be consistent with the updated CDC guidelines, an influenza prevention program must include a comprehensive approach – any influenza prevention program that relies solely on vaccinations (mandatory or voluntary) is inadequate. 
• WSNA believes masking policies must follow CDC guidelines for all workers, not just those unvaccinated (currently required when within 6 feet of patients) and not be used as a retaliation or punishment for unvaccinated workers.
• WSNA supports voluntary efforts that aim for 100% vaccination rates, including annual education and implementation of comprehensive influenza vaccination programs for all health care providers.  We believe that employers must ensure that influenza vaccines are available and offered to every health care worker annually at convenient times and locations.

UWMC Policy states that if you do not have a medical reason not to be vaccinated, you must do the following by November 11th, 2011:

1. Complete the online education module
2. Complete one-on-one education regarding the benefits of vaccination in order to protect UWMC patients and staff
3. Sign a declination statement including a reason for declining the vaccine

• WSNA believes that if a declination form is required, the employee must be able to sign the form confidentially; that is, the health care worker must not be required to divulge personal health information or declare the reason(s) for refusal of a vaccine.  The employer must not discriminate against or discipline a nurse or health care worker for opting out.

WSNA is committed to the health and safety of all Health Care Providers at UWMC and the patients they care for.

For question on these issues please contact Nurse Representative Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org.
 

Your WSNA Negotiating Team met for a full day on Wednesday, October 19th, 2011… little or no progress was made:  Here are the facts:

• UWMC Administration still wants RNs to give up the 28 day/160 hour scheduling option which would change current pay practices and totally change self scheduling practices
• UWMC Administration still wants to assign RNs to variable shift lengths of 12, 10 and 8 hour shifts solely at the discretion of management (so much for trying to plan your life around work!)
• The September negotiations update posted by UWMC Administration was filled with gross inaccuracies regarding WSNA wage proposals
• UWMC wages for RNs are as much as 8% behind other Seattle area hospitals at certain steps
• UWMC Administration has expressed a disinterest in recognizing “Recognition of Experience” beyond step 28
• UWMC Administration has expressed disinterest in extending WSNA benefits and “Just Cause” provision to per diem RNs
• UWMC Administration has expressed lack of interest in the cash out of accumulated vacation above 240 hours (This hard earned vacation time is currently lost!)
• WSNA Says RNs Deserve Respect  ***  Respect in Comparable Wages  ***  Respect in Retention Incentives
• Respect in having such a contributing role in the huge financial success of UWMC.

Standing Up For You ….. WSNA - Nurses for Nurses
Show Up and Get The Scoop!

Your WSNA Negotiation Team RNs as well as your WSNA Nurse Representative will be available to address concerns and questions you have:

When:  November 8th at 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Where:  Rear of 1st Floor Cafeteria

Call for a 24 hour toll-free negotiations update-1-855-OUR-WSNA (1-855-687-9762) 

On Wednesday, September 28th 2011, your WSNA Negotiation team of RNs met with management
for our 4th session.  While we made some advances, UWMC has offered a ZERO dollar increase for
wages for the year beginning July 1st of 2012 through June 30th of 2013.
 
Despite touting more than 50 million dollars in profits for each year for the past two years running, UWMC has shown what they consider to be the value of RNs at UWMC!!  They have also denied any increases in a number of premiums that are currently less than many of the greater Seattle Hospitals.
 
Management continues to insist on wanting to take away the 28/160 schedule option that gives the Nurses at UWMC the flexibility and input into their current scheduling.  This would significantly impact your ability to self-schedule and have the necessary involvement in the process.

We will be meeting again on October 19th so stay tuned for updates!

Feel free to contact any of your dedicated negotiation team members with any questions that you may have.
These Nurses are: 
Anita Stull (Inpatient Psych) anitastull@comcast.net 
Harry James (O.R.) hejames_99@yahoo.com
Colleen Zakar (Surgical Specialties) colleenzakar@gmail.com 
Terri Gartman (MIC) teeann@gmail.com
Doug Harper (Resource Team) douglasharper@me.com 
Theresa Wren (MIC) twren5@hotmail.com
Mary Luedeking Mentele (PACU) pmtandk@comcast.net 
24hr. toll free update hotline:  1-855-OUR-WSNA
 
There has been a renewed interest in membership and folks wanting to know what they can do to help with these negotiations.  The time has never been better to get involved.  Join WSNA if you’re not a current member and show UWMC Management that we stand united.  Get your membership form and send it in today!

Nurses Deserve Respect in the conditions in which they work, the pay that they receive and the willingness for management to include them in all discussions that could impact their personal or work lives!! 

• Forced Mandatory Low Census… this would no longer be voluntary and your bi-weekly paychecks could be greatly impacted in times of low patient volume
• Elimination of self-scheduling…this is suggested as part of the Kronos Electronic timekeeping implementation
• Elimination of the 28 day 160 hour work week option- All nurses would become hourly and pay checks would no longer be one half of the estimated monthly salary but, rather, directly reflect the hours worked in the two week pay period.  With this proposal, all nurses would have to choose 40 hours in 7 days or 80 hours in 14 day schedules.  This change could also mean elimination in overtime for additional hours worked beyond your regularly scheduled shift
• Increase in notification requirement for Sick Call for days from 1 hour to 2 hours
• A complete change in the requirements to attain Rest between Shifts pay.  RNs working 8 hour shifts will be expected to work two hours longer without being compensated while the hours of compensation will decrease from a current minimum of 8 hours at time plus one half to as little as a half an hour!  As part of their proposal, hours worked from Call back, standby, education and committee meetings would not apply towards attaining this Rest Between Shifts premium.

Your WSNA Negotiations team has met with UWMC Administration for our first bargaining session on July 6th.

WSNA put forth our initial proposal. Both sides will be meeting again on August 3^rd for our second session.  We will be expecting a counter proposal from Administration at that time.

We will work hard to preserve your best interests and ensure that all of the exceptional RNs at UWMC are recognized for all of your contributions.

In Solidarity,

Ed Zercher

For any questions that you may have, please contact Nurse Representative ezercher@wsna.org or call 206-575-7979, ext. 3022

That’s right!  Your WSNA Negotiations Team has met twice to prepare for negotiations.  We have reviewed your surveys and have considered all of the fantastic input from the RNs throughout UWMC.

Our first scheduled Negotiation with Administration is set for July 6th.

We have a wonderful group of Registered Nurses that have agreed to be part of this team and represent your needs.

Stay tuned for some upcoming announcements on how we plan stand together through these negotiations and display our solidarity.

United We Prevail!!

For questions or comments, contact your WSNA Nurse Representative Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org

“And they don’t know what I feel.” …”No, no, let each person tell the truth from his own experience.”
- Florence Nightingale's letter to Madame Mohl, December,1861

Let’s take our lead from Florence Nightingale’s own words and join together to celebrate the Nursing Profession! WSNA in cooperation with area Local Units invite you to join in an evening of UNITY and SOLIDARITY. Let’s hold the lamp high and shine the light bright!

You are the heart and soul of the profession and now is the time to celebrate the past and energize the future!

Meet our Special Guest:

• National Federation of Nurses President Barbara Crane, RN

Also in attendance will be:

• WSNA Executive Director Judy Huntington, MN, RN
• Asst. Executive Director of Labor Relations Christine Himmelsbach, MN, RN

FREE Dinner

Thursday, May 5, 2011
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Renaissance Hotel, 515 Madison Street, Seattle, WA 98104
Parking validated at check-in, $8 / 3 hours in the Renaissance Garage

Cash Bar, Choose Chicken or a Vegetarian/Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Entrée, and one of two Mystery Desserts!

Space is limited so reserve your place TODAY.  RSVP to imueller@wsna.org or 206-575-7979, Ext. 0 (Please include your menu choice).

• Forced Mandatory Low Census… this would no longer be voluntary and your bi-weekly paychecks could be greatly impacted in times of low patient volume
• Elimination of self-scheduling…this is suggested as part of the Kronos Electronic timekeeping implementation
• Elimination of the 28 day 160 hour work week option- All nurses would become hourly and pay checks would no longer be one half of the estimated monthly salary but, rather, dire