News

VEBA Meeting

In response to some questions, WSNA will be hosting a meeting to discuss participation of WSNA nurses in VEBA.  The meeting will be held
Monday, July 26, 2010 from 6-7pm at the WSNA office:
575 Andover Park W
Seattle, WA 98188

If you are able to attend, please RSVP to hworbets@wsna.org by
Friday, July 23, 2010.

If you’ve received this message by postcard, it is because WSNA does not have a valid HOME email address for you.  Please email Heather Worbets at hworbets@wsna.org with your HOME email address so that you can receive updates in a more timely manner.

 

7/9/10 - Important Action Alert: Alternative Work Schedule Update

On June 28, 2010, your Local Unit Officers and WSNA Nurse Representative met with PH administration to discuss the Alternative Work Schedule Memorandum of Understanding that was negotiated in the last contract.  This meeting was to discuss what information would be helpful to WSNA in order to review and prepare for the outcome meetings in the North and South sectors this autumn. 
Your officers have prepared some resources for you in the event that you wish to apply for an alternative work schedule.

• awsagreementKC (Word .doc format)
• Directions for Applying for an Alternative Work Schedule (Word .doc format)
• SampleAWAAppeal (Word .doc format)

In order to best communicate with you, we are requesting that you send us your HOME email address as soon as possible.  The goal is to have everyone's email on file.  If you do not have home email, we can, upon request, assist you in setting up a free home email account that you can access on the internet.  Please send your HOME email addresses to: Heather Worbets, BSN RN, WSNA Nurse Representative at hworbets@wsna.org

 

4/21/10 - NURSES VOTED YES TO NEW CONTRACT!

Thank you, thank you to the many nurses who came out to vote. You overwhelmingly voted to ratify the contract!

Look for your CD copy of the new contract coming to you in the near future.

Thank you again for your support during these tough negotiations. If you see one of the negotiation team members, please thank them for their hard work and a job well done.

WSNA looks forward to supporting you for the next three years!

 

3/30/10 - Tentative Agreement Reached

SUCCESS! After 6 months of negotiation and on the second day of mediation, we have a TENTATIVE AGREEMENT!

It will become final after the vote. So please watch your mail for detailed information on the date and time of the vote.

Please give a big THANK YOU to the negotiation team members, Donna Borgford-Parnel, Bill Johnston, Tina Maestas, and Gaylord Furulie for dedicating their time and tireless commitment to the important issues in this contract!! A job well done!

 

1/26/10 - Furlough Replacement Time (FRT) and 2010 COLA

At the end of 2008, WSNA negotiated the 2010 COLA and 2010/2011 Furlough Replacement Time into the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the 2009 furlough days.  You, the bargaining unit members, secured both your 2010 COLA and Furlough Replacement Time (FRT) when you voted for this MOU!!  Well done!

The County has informed WSNA that the 2010 COLA will be applied to all bargaining unit members pay as of 1/1/10; and, that FRT will appear in the leave portion of the 1/20/2010 paystub for all nurses who were furloughed in 2009.  You will receive half of your FRT in 2010 and the other half in 2011.  Remember to take your FRT!!  Unlike vacation hours, FRT does not carry over till the next year.  Your FRT for 2010, if not taken, will disappear 12/31/2010 – this is the same for your FRT in 2011. 

Update: Negotiations
After six days of negotiating, we are heading into mediation.  Mediation is scheduled for 2/19/2010.  If you haven’t already done so, please contact your WSNA Nurse Representative, Heather Worbets at hworbets@wsna.org with your home email so that you can be kept informed and involved!!

Your negotiation team appreciates all your support!

 

12/23/09 - WSNA Negotiation Update!

WSNA is aware of the petition nurses are circulating in support of Alternative Work Schedules (AWS) and the negotiating team.  As you know, WSNA and the whole team as spent five full days in negotiations involving this issue yet the County remains firm in its position to eliminate most AWS.

Only a small number of nurses were able to commit to picketing because you are scheduled to see clients weeks and months in advance and are devoted to maintaining these services. You have initiated a petition as an alternative way to communicate your passion about this issue.

We support your effort to communicate your desire for AWS directly to management and we remain committed to on-going work on this issue as we prepare to go to mediation after the first of the year.

Local unit meetings are being scheduled in early January and we look forward to continuing to work with you on this important issue. 

Thank you for your continued support,

Your Negotiation Team

 

12/11/09 - Happy Holidays!

On Behalf of WSNA and Your Local Unit Officers, Happy Holidays!

WSNA urges you to take advantage of the new Executive's recent invitation requesting your input.  WSNA knows nurses are full of innovative ideas and solutions B so, go ahead and let your voices be heard.  We would appreciate hearing what you suggest to the Executive as well, so please send us a copy of your input. We're here to help and we're always happy to hear from you.

Margaret Conley has accepted the position as the Assistant Director of Economic & General Welfare.   Effectively immediately, your new WSNA Nurse Representative is Heather Worbets.  Please don't hesitate to contact Heather with any questions or concerns at hworbets@wsna.org.  Heather may also be reached at 206-575-7979, Ext 3045.

 

11/25/09 - Recent messages from the County related to furloughs have caused a lot of confusion!

Here are the facts:
In July 2009, the County presented a blanket proposal to the Coalition of unions for furlough in 2010.

The Coalition responded that because the 2009 furlough had been applied inequitably and because the County would not assure the Coalition that all money saved by furlough would be used to prevent lay-offs, the unions did not wish to bargain together as a Coalition.

WSNA told the County we would be willing to discuss furlough as an individual union if the County wished to make a proposal.

After six days of contract negotiations all proposals have been presented by both WSNA and the County.  The County has not proposed furlough to WSNA for 2010.

 

11/09/09 - WSNA Negotiations Update

Your negotiation team met with County for a full day again on November 4th.  This was the fourth day of negotiations. 

The County team presented their economic proposal.  We will respond with a counter proposal at our next meeting November 18th. 
A proposal was made specific to Jail Health Services scheduling.  Nurses at KCCF and MRJC have received an email or postcard requesting their input on this important issue.  Responses must be received by November 16th.

Please donate vacation hours to support your negotiating team if you have not done so already!

Thanks again for all your support!

 

 

10/28/09 - Negotiation Update

WSNA NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE: Day 3

Your WSNA Negotiation Team met with the County management team Oct. 27, 2009 for eight hours of bargaining the full contract. 

A large part of the day centered on the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention staff concerns.

The County came to the negotiation table unprepared to discuss economics.  The County did NOT present their economic proposal or wage comparisons as promised.  The WSNA Negotiating Team is still waiting for this information and will be ready to bargain when it is presented!  The next negotiation session is scheduled for November 4, 2009.

Your WSNA Negotiating Team continues to need your support.  Thank you to those who have already donated vacation hours.  If you would like to donate, please use the same form you would use for any hours donation.  Write AWSNA Negotiation Team@ in the area designated for a person=s name, and then turn the form in to your payroll person.

We appreciate all your support!!

 

 

10/14/09 - Negotiation Update

Your WSNA Negotiation Team met with the County management team Oct. 13, 2009 for eight hours of bargaining the full contract.

To date, both sides have provided their initial written proposals, with any additional items to be presented by the next session. The County will present its economic package to the team at the next meeting scheduled for Oct. 27, 2009. DAJD issues are on the agenda for Oct. 27, 2009 as well.

We are working hard to represent your interests. All members of the team are participating actively in each session.

Please donate one to eight vacation hours to pay the negotiation team for the hours they are giving to this work. Use the same form you would use for any hours donation. Write “WNSA Negotiation Team” in the blank for a person’s name, and then turn the form in to your payroll person.

Thank you for supporting your team!

 

Frequently Asked Questions: Core Clinic Hours & Alternative Work Schedules

As many of you know, WSNA staff recently met with the County three separate times working to minimize the impacts of the changes in core clinic hours and alternative work schedules on nursing staff.  WSNA worked to reduce the impacts of management’s decision to change the clinic hours and to eliminate/minimize alternative work schedules.  Impact bargaining refers to bargaining about the effects of the change, not the decision to make the change. 

While we did not get all of what was asked for, we did receive some concessions:

• a delay in the implementation of core clinic hours until January 1st 2010 at some Public Health sites;
• a change in core clinic hours from 8:30-5:30 to 8:00-5:00 for Auburn, Federal Way and Kent;
• a new process for future alternative work schedule requests – for all future alternative work schedule requests, if denied, the employer must provide the basis for denial in writing, and the nurse(s) is now entitled to appeal the decision at one step on the organizational chart above the original decision maker. 

The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions which will hopefully clarify some of the misunderstandings surrounding this issue.

What is impact bargaining?

• Bargaining about the effect of the change, not the decision to make the change.

Why did WSNA enter into impact bargaining?

• To minimize the impact of the changes to core clinic hours and alternative work schedules. 

What does our contract say about this?

• According to the current contract, Article 13, Section 13.1: eight (8) hours shall constitute a normal day’s work and five (5) consecutive days a normal week’s work. 
• Under Article 13, Section 13.4: The Department or the employees shall provide forty-five (45) days notice of their intent to discontinue the alternative schedule. 

How is impact bargaining different than what contract negotiations?

• Contract negotiations refer to negotiating the full contract.

WSNA is currently in contract negotiations which is separate from the recent impact bargaining sessions.

 

10/6/09 - How to Donate Hours to your WSNA Bargaining Team!

The County will only pay the wages of only 2 members of the WSNA bargaining team.  The bargaining team REALLY needs your support.  Please donate 1‑8 hours of your accrued vacation time to the team.  Accrued sick hours and comp hours cannot be donated for this purpose.   Sick hours can be donated by completing the standard King County Leave Donation Form.  A copy of the form can be accessed via the link below.  Please indicate on the form that you are donating your hours to the WSNA Bargaining Team.  Thank you!!   

Our second day of negotiations is October 13th.  Please contact your WSNA Nurse Representative, Margaret Conley at mconley@wsna.org with your home email so that you can be kept informed and involved. 

Thanks for all your support during these negotiations!

 

10/05/09 - Leave Donation Form

• Download (Microsoft Word format)

09/28/09 - Negotiation Update

As you have seen in the news recently the County is planning for the possibility of flooding during the winter due to the condition of the Howard Hanson Dam. The Dept of Juvenile and Adult Justice, which runs the jails, will be moving 130-150 inmates from the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent to the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle for 4-6 months in preparation for the possible flooding. This has caused Jail Health Services to be required to move nursing staff temporarily as well.

WSNA and King County met on Sept. 22, 2009 and negotiated a Memorandum of Agreement for the nurses from MRJC who will be temporarily assigned to work at KCCF. It is posted to the WSNA Seattle Staff Nurses webpage on the WSNA website for your review.

Additionally, on Sept. 22 both WSNA and the County articulated their interests and issues related to economics and working conditions for the new contract for 2010-2012. Although the County has withdrawn its earlier proposal of furlough and unpaid holidays for 2010, the County has not withdrawn the subject of further furloughs from the table. Health insurances are not a subject of bargaining in individual County contracts, thus that subject will not be discussed in this negotiations.

PLEASE HELP YOUR NEGOTIATIONS TEAM!

We need you to donate a portion of your vacation time to help pay your co-workers who are serving on the negotiations team! We will provide the process for doing so in the very near future. If every nurse gives 1-2 hours, it would be great.

Your negotiations team,

Donna Borgford-Parnel

Tina Maestas

Bill Johnston

Gaylord Furulie                                                        

 

09/21/09 - Updates

CORE CLINIC HOURS
On September 14th, WSNA attended a second meeting to further discuss the proposed changes to the core clinic hours and the reduction or elimination of alternative work schedules.  WSNA put forward a list of questions in attempt to better understand the County=s decision to eliminate/minimize alternative work schedules, and asked that the County delay the implementation of core clinic hours until January 2010 to further study this issue and its impact on staff and clients.

The County has agreed to the concept of delaying the implementation of core clinic hours at some sites or for some programs but has not committed in writing to any specific date or site changes at this time. They have also committed to drafting guidelines for approving alternative work schedules.  We will update you regarding impacts at your site as soon as anything is finalized.

NEGOTIATIONS START SEPTEMBER 22nd
We anticipate that the County will wish to address the changes in staffing at MRJC and KCCF as a result of the flood potential as one of their top priorities.

The proposal regarding furlough and unpaid holidays in 2010 has been withdrawn by the County, and nothing has been suggested as an alternative at this time.

Please watch your email carefully and encourage your co-workers to share their home email addresses with WSNA so we can update them quickly as things change and progress is made.

Email addresses should be sent to mconley@wsna.org to be added to the distribution list.

 

9/10/09 - Negotiation Update

Negotiation prep is under way; the first session is scheduled for September 22nd.
BE AWARE:  For 2010, the County is proposing, 10 furlough days AND 10 holidays unpaid for every County employee at all sites.

Vacation hour donation:  The County will only pay the wages of only 2 members of the negotiating team during negotiating sessions.  Please plan to donate 1-8 hours of your vacation timeYWe will have updates regarding the paperwork for donating available in the near future.

Be informed:  During negotiations, the negotiating team and WSNA may need more of your input.  Please contact your WSNA Nurse Rep at mconley@wsna.org with your home email address so that you can be kept informed and involvedYwatch for any links to Survey Monkey that may come out, and plan to attend information meetings as they are scheduled.  Thanks for your support!

 

8/31/09 - INJUNCTION GRANTED!

WSNA represented you successfully! Judge Fox granted a temporary injunction order on Aug. 28, 2009, protecting the surnames of the JHS nurses from release to the inmates who recently requested that information. This injunction will remain in effect pending a court trial. The date of that trial has not been set at this time.

Clinic Core Hours Changes
A meeting has been scheduled on Sept 2nd with WSNA, Public Health Nursing management and HR to discuss the impacts of the County=s plan to change in clinic core hours on nurses. Thank you to those of you who have contacted us with your concerns and concrete examples of how you and your clients will be impacted. Those will be helpful in presenting this issue to the County.

Lambert Proposal to the County Council
A proposal was presented to the Council recently regarding development of County policy in regards to negotiations in tight budgetary times. WSNA is monitoring this issue carefully and is prepared to take appropriate legal action if it becomes necessary.

Negotiations
Negotiations begin in September!  Watch for updates and to attend informational meetings that will be announced as progress is made. Thanks for completing the survey! We appreciate the great response!

 

08/18/09 - JHS Information Requests-  Temporary Restraining Order Granted!

As we recently communicated with you,  our WSNA attorney has been in contact with the County and attorneys from other groups working to protect the private information of JHS nurses from former inmates who have submitted a formal request for this information.

WSNA attorneys were successful in getting a Temporary Restraining Order, to stop the release of information.  The County is now required to hold off on releasing any information until August 31, 2009, pending another hearing date which is scheduled for August 28th. 

Watch for more information coming soon. 

FUTURE UPDATES If you want to receive updates in the most timely manner, please email your WSNA Nurse Representative Margaret Conley at mconley@wsna.org with your personal/ home email address and future updates will be sent to you via email.

 

08/13/09 - Letter from WSNA to Benjamin Leifer

August 13, 2009

Benjamin Leifer
Chief Administrative Officer
Seattle King County Public Health
401 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1300
Seattle, Washington 98104

Re: Public Disclosure Request by Inmates Joel Zellmer, Myron C. Wynn for Employee Information

Dear Mr. Leifer:

This is in response to your e-mail of August 7, 2009.

The Washington State Nurses Association has received the information we requested in our letter of July 24, 2009 to Seattle King County Public Health director David Fleming.  We note that the King County Public Disclosure Manual does not incorporate the amendments to the public disclosure law that were passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Christine Gregoire, effective March 2009, specifically addressing public disclosure requests by inmates.

The nurses employed at King County correctional facility have well-founded concerns that disclosure of their full names to inmates may lead to inmates discovering their home telephone numbers and addresses, thereby jeopardizing the employees’ personal safety and the safety of their families and loved ones.  These concerns are legitimate, particularly as both of the inmates who have requested this employee personal information are charged with first degree murder.  Indeed, the nurses and WSNA have conscientiously protected their full names from disclosure to inmates for more than twenty years, despite the County’s efforts to compel such disclosure.  AS the Public Employment Relations Commission and the Washington Court of Appeals have recognized, disclosure of nurses’ full names to inmates is a mandatory subject for collective bargaining.

Accordingly, WSNA hereby requests that the County negotiate regarding the nature of the information to be disclosed in response to these public disclosure requests by inmates.  Please contact Maria Pettit in our office to arrange a mutually-convenient date and time to meet.

We further request that the County postpone disclosure of any personal information concerning nurses employed in County correctional facilities until we have had an opportunity to meet and confer with County management regarding the vital issues of privacy and employee safety involved in this matter.

Sincerely,
Timothy Sears
General Counsel

 

08/07/09 - WSNA News and Updates

JHS Information Requests
WSNA is in contact with the County regarding protection of the private information of JHS nurses from two inmates who have submitted formal requests for this information. The County has delayed the designated release date until Aug 18th, 2009.   WSNA is in the process of taking appropriate legal action before that date to protect your private information.

CHS Changes in Core Hours, CHS Alternative Schedule Discontinuation
WSNA has been formally notified this week of the County’s intention to implement these changes. A letter has been sent in response notifying the County of our intent to negotiate the impacts of these changes on you, our members.

RJC Flooding Potential
With the known potential for serious flooding in the Kent and Auburn valleys this winter and spring due to the poor condition of the Howard Hansen Dam, the County is currently involved in planning for flood conditions at RJC should the dam fail. The County Emergency Preparedness website will be updated every two weeks as planning progresses. There is no current plan that addresses specifically how this will impact nursing staff and health care delivery at RJC.

Budget Planning
The County continues to put out grim projections regarding the 2010 and 2011 budgets, along with suggestions that they may close several clinics, close numerous parks, make extensive cuts to Animal Control, as well as $10 million cuts to management salaries and benefits.

The County has asked for concessions from organized labor but has not yet offered any specific written proposals. They have discussed extensive layoffs, cuts to premium pay, unpaid holidays, COLA reduction and health care premium share as possibilities but have given us nothing in writing. We need formal proposals from them to be able to inform you and negotiate if that is indicated.

The threat of the County declaring a fiscal emergency and implementing unilateral changes is real. We will inform you as soon as we have any actual information to share.

FUTURE UPDATES   If you want to receive updates in the most timely manner, please email your WSNA nurse representative, Margaret Conley at mconley@wsna.org with your home email address and future updates will be sent to you via email.

 

 

08/01/09 - What is WSNA doing about the latest Public Disclosure Requests?

Letter to Dr.  David Fleming sent,  awaiting a response. 

Watch for more information.

 

4/2/09

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM?

Would you like your local unit of WSNA to be more proactive? YOU can make that dream come true!

Are you willing to be an officer and get involved?
Do you have a co-worker who is a natural for one of the Positions?

Here are the job descriptions, a nominating form will be coming out soon and we hope you will consider being involved!

Local Unit Chair and Co-Chair

• Manager/Coordinator of the Local Unit
• Ensures the business of the Local Unit is accomplished to include: goals met, members are involved and informed, Local Unit rules are followed, and committees are functioning and accountable.
• Cannot and should not do everything!  Delegate appropriate committee membership and other duties to members.
• Receive updates from appointed committee members about business of the committees and periodically reassess goals and outcomes of those groups.
• Share the evaluations and progress reports with the membership and involve them in the evaluating the overall effectiveness of the unit.
• Act as spokes person for the Local Unit.  You may be asked to speak on behalf of WSNA.
• Manage teambuilding efforts into all aspects of the job.  When conflicts arise it is important that you be able to manage the situation to a peaceful resolution.
• Attend, participate in, and chair meetings. 
• You are the face of WSNA within your Local Unit.  Professional, encouraging, and productive behavior is a must.

Local Unit Secretary

• Responsible for ensuring all officers and committees of the Local Unit are notified of upcoming events.
• Gather info for the Local Unit Newsletter and assist the Chair in sending materials to WSNA Nurse Rep.
• Maintain all records and minutes of the local unit and any committees where WSNA is represented.  Manage any updates submitted by these committees.
• Keep a supply of forms available for officers and members.
• Assist with the posting of notices and WSNA materials on Local Unit Bulletin Boards.

 Local Unit Treasurer

• Track and manage Local Unit funds to be used for membership promotion, educational activities, negotiations related expenses, contract administration, and communications.
• Report to the Local Unit Executive Committee on Local Unit Budget.

GRIEVANCE OFFICER AND COMMITTEE MEMBER POSITIONS WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE NEW OFFICERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL UNIT BY-LAWS.

 SIGN UP FOR YOUR e-NEWSLETTER AND e-UPDATES!

All we need is your HOME email address and you are automatically connected!

Take this opportunity to update your contact information like your home address and phone numbers too!

 

 

2/5/2009

The “Lifeboat” for NINE nurses was extended from June 2009 to December 2009 due to funding changes.

Fourteen NURSES who received layoff letters in early January have had those rescinded as funding has been extended by the state through June 2009.

WSNA has launched Phase Two of its SAVE PUBLIC HEALTH campaign with state wide TV announcements as well as new bill board locations. These can be seen on KOMO, KIRO, and KING in Seattle as well as KREM in Spokane.

The new WSNA Legislative Action Center is on the website. It gives access to legislation relating to health care issues as well as links directly to your state legislators, so that you can send them your input! Check it out!

 

11/21/2008 - Furlough Vote Results

The furlough issue which you recently voted on passed by a large margin.

The next step is ratification by the County Council as they complete the budget process.

Thanks to each of you who participated in the voting sessions! I enjoyed meeting with you and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Margaret Conley, RN, ARNP
(206) 799-8384, ext. 3012
mconley@wsna.org

 

11/21/2008 - WSNA RJC NURSES

The scheduling change issue that you recently voted on passed and will be implemented in the near future.

Remember that it is a six month trial of the process and will be evaluated several times during the trial period.

Thanks for your participation in the vote!

 

11/6/2008 - Tentative Agreement Reached

Download and read the tentative agreement between King County and the coalition of King County unions, addressing the 2009 budget crisis (PDF)

 

October 31, 2008 - ITS TIME TO VOTE ON THE FURLOUGH ISSUE!

This is an important subject and WSNA is recommending a YES vote on this issue because:
a. It guarantees COLA in 2010 even though our contract ends in 2009.
b. There is no more than one day pay loss per month instead of a two week block all at once.
c. Part-time people will be pro-rated.
d. Management is impacted, too.
e. It preserves the base pay rate, as a reduction in COLA would not.

You can vote at any of the following dates and locations.

Auburn: Nov. 5, 8-9:30am

Renton: Nov. 5, 12-1:00pm

RJC: Nov. 5, 2-3:00pm and Nov. 7, 6-7:00am

Eastgate: Nov. 5, 3:30–5:00pm

RJC Scheduling Change MOU, Voting Nov. 5 from 2-3pm and Nov 7, 2008 from 6-7am

Federal Way: Nov. 6, 8-9:30am

Kent Alder Square: Nov. 6, 11:30am -1:00pm

Kent Springwood: Nov. 6, 3:30-4:30pm

TB Clinic: Nov. 7, 8-9:30am

White Center: Nov. 7, 12-1:00pm

Northshore: Nov. 7, 3:30-5:00pm

KCCF: Nov. 10, 6-7:00am and 2-3:00pm

Chinook Building Nov 10th 3-4pm

Child Care/Downtown: Nov. 10, 8-9:30am

North: Nov. 10, 12-1:00pm

Columbia  Nov 12   8-9:30am

WSNA, 575 Andover Park W, Suite 101, Seattle 98188: Nov. 5, 6–8:00pm and Nov. 10, 5-7:00pm

Please participate! This is your contract and it is important to make your voice heard!

 

 

October 22, 2008

The County and WSNA will be meeting again in the next few days, and hopefully we will have their proposal regarding furloughs finalized. We will be scheduling times for a vote of the members as soon as we have a final agreement. It will most likely be a quick turn around time, so please watch your mail and the WSNA web site www.WSNA.org (click on Local Units) for the date, times and place.

 

October 21, 2008 - County Proposes 10 Day Fulough

Due to the financial emergency facing King County, the County has given the King County Coalition of Unions a proposal to implement an unpaid furlough of ten days during calendar year 2009. In the absence of a mutual agreement on the issue, King County would reserve its right to implement a furlough and/or alternative measures to address the budget shortfall. Therefore, the King County unions are meeting with the County in an effort to mitigate the impacts of the potential furlough.

To minimize the impact on employees, and demonstrate to the public the financial challenges facing King County, the current proposal contemplates that the ten unpaid furlough days would be scheduled adjacent to holidays and/or weekends, spread out during calendar year 2009, with no more than one day in any month. Pursuant to the proposal under discussion, the County would shut down all non-essential operations on these ten furlough days. Therefore, the furlough would affect all employees in non-essential functions irrespective of their representation status, including supervisory and managerial personnel. These furlough days are offered in lieu of additional layoffs.

Bargaining units that accept the negotiated proposal would be assured the standard COLA through 2010. In addition, vacation and sick leave accruals, seniority, and medical coverage and other insurance would not be affected by the furlough. Retirement service credits would not be affected, although 2009 contributions to the Department of Retirement Services would be reduced (based on reduced compensation) as required by law.

 

October 14, 2008

King County administration called a meeting today, Oct. 14th with union representatives at which they presented a proposal to address the $8 million budget shortfall which remains after Ron Sims, King County Executive made his budget proposal.

The County proposed an 80 hour unpaid furlough per each employee, with no anticipated affect on retirement, seniority, vacation and sick leave benefits. The details of this proposal have not been determined at this time, but the County has indicated a willingness to be flexible in implementation. This initial proposal will have no change to the COLA formula for 2009.

If agreement can not be reached, the County has taken the position that they can unilaterally implement this furlough option. An alternative to implementing the furlough would be the layoff of approximately 120 additional represented employees effective January 1, 2009.

Discussions will continue tomorrow and we will update you as discussions progress.
NO plan will be agreed to by WSNA without you having the opportunity to vote on the issue.

 

October 8, 2008 - Public Hearings on King County Budget

On Oct 13, 2008, Ron Sims will make his proposed budget public in a presentation to the County Council. Following that, there will be six open public hearings for public comment to the Council to allow all county residents to share their comments.

WSNA will be there to speak for Public Health at each meeting!

Oct 14 7pm - Pacific Cascade Freshman Campus,
24635 Southeast Issaquah Fall City Road, Issaquah

Oct 16 7pm - Maleng Regional Justice Center Courtroom 3F
401 4th Avenue North, Kent

Oct 21 7pm - Finn Hill Junior High School
8040 Notheast 132nd Street, Kirkland

Oct 23 7pm - Shoreline Conference Center, Shoreline Room
18560 1st Avenue Northeast, Shoreline

Oct 28 7pm - King County Council Chambers
516 Third Avenue Room 1200, Seattle

Nov 10 1:30pm - King County Council Chambers
516 Third Avenue Room 1200, Seattle

Please plan to attend one or more of these and speak up to make the Council aware of how important you and your programs are to the health and safety of the community. More information is available on the Public Health webpage under budget updates as well as at www.kingcounty.gov/council/budget.aspx

 

September 4, 2008 - Unit Reps Are You Out There?

Do you know any "Shop Stewards"?
WSNA does not have "Shop Stewards" We have Unit Representatives.

We are reactivating the Unit Rep System and hope you will consider participating as a Unit Rep for your area of the county if you are not already doing so. There should be more than one Unit Rep per office and we want you to be involved!

As a Unit Rep, we would like you to be involved with things like helping maintain a WSNA bulletin board in your area, scheduling Brown Bags and notifying co-workers of the dates and times, being available to distribute flyers or other information to mailboxes for nurses you work with, updating email address lists and being a person who can collect information and notify the Nurse Rep of developments at your site.

Please give me a call at 1-800-231-8482, ext 3012 or email me at mconley@wsna.org and let me know that we can count on you to be active in WSNA!

Sincerely,

Margaret Conley, RN, ARNP

 

August 10, 2008 - Public Health Funding Crisis

Public Health funding is a top priority for the Washington State Nurses Association. A comprehensive plan is being formulated to address this urgent issue. We are utilizing a variety of resources to fight the proposed Public Health funding cuts and to secure a long-term, adequate and stable source for Public Health funding by raising public awareness and galvanizing support.

Your involvement will be vital! Please stay informed and ready to act! We want to act together, in unity, for the greatest impact!

Your WSNA representative continues to attend all County meetings regarding the budget to represent your interests, as well as to be present when any new information might be presented regarding the Public Health budget.

WOW! That is a good idea!

Recently you received a message from the County Executive inviting you to contact him directly with any cost saving ideas you might have. We urge you to use that avenue to communicate your ideas, big and small, that could be helpful in any way. Several of you have commented that you do have ideas but think they are too small to matter. Every idea is important at this time and we urge you to contact the Executive’s office with your value saving ideas!

A small cost savings as your location might translate to a huge cost savings if applied County wide, so send in those ideas!

Margaret Conley RN, ARNP
WSNA Nurse Representative
206-575-7979, Ext. 3012
mconley@wsna.org

 

July 25, 2008 - Local Conference Committee .... WHAT and WHY?

The purpose of conference committee is to work to communicate and resolve issues that arise at each site
during the life of the contract. Issues of interest or concern to a group of nurses at the site are appropriate to place on the meeting agenda. Individual issues about specific nurses are not discussed and confidentiality is maintained. It seems to work best to have a variety of representation at the meetings so all nurse issues are addressed.
If your site does not yet have a conference committee and you are willing to be involved in that way, please contact Margaret Conley. A big thanks to those of you who have already agreed to serve on the conference committee at your site!

 

July 25, 2008 - BUDGET WOES!

Watch for more news soon about how you can help us help you respond to the pending budget shortfall! We are planning to coordinate our efforts for maximum exposure and benefit. We will need YOUR help when the time comes!
For concerns, questions or to get involved with WSNA contact your
Nurse Rep. Margaret Conley at mconley@wsna.org or 206-575-7979, ext. 3012.

 

July 15, 2008 - Conference Committee News

Several people have asked about conference committee issues at other sites, here are some recent agenda items:

• Concern about potential service changes when the budget is announced
• Need for self defense or defensive training for nurses and other staff
• Nurses desire for more part-time positions to be available
• Developing a site specific staff satisfaction survey
• Scheduling hours of work
• Vacation and LWOP approval
• Productivity
• Slow computers, poor computer access
• Missed breaks
• Concern about public comments when using county cars
• Parking and security

If your site does not yet have a committee or if you want to get involved, please contact Margaret Conley, WSNA Nurse Rep at 206-575-7979, ext. 3012.

 

July 15, 2008 - Budget Update

WSNA continues to attend all available budget update meetings with the county and will update you as soon as there is any news. At these meetings we continue to be told about the budget process but have not heard any specific word about proposed cuts to any site or program.

 

July 15, 2008 - Communications

Thanks to those of you who have called or emailed with your updated phone numbers and email addresses. It is important in these tough budgetary times that we be able to contact you directly without going through your work place. If you haven’t contacted us with your updated info, please do so today!
Send email to mconley@wsna.org or call 206-575-7979, ext. 3012. 07/15/08

 

June 18, 2008

Here is the response WSNA received from the county in response to our letter on your behalf.

Dear Mr. Sears:

I am responding to your May 30, 2008 letter to King County Executive Ron Sims regarding public records requests made by a former inmate of the King County Correctional Facility for personal information about employees at that facility. we have no interpreted those requests to include employees of Jail Health Services. As such, please be assured that no information about Jail Health Services employees will be disclosed at this time.

Sincerely,

Hikari Tamura
Deputy Director

BUDGET CRUNCH WORRIES!
YOUR PARTICIPATION WILL BE VITAL!

As you know the county budget process is on-going and cuts in many areas are being proposed. We plan to be ready to respond quickly when there is any news regarding the counties plan for nursing positions and programs.

You need to be ready to act promptly when the time is right! Nurses will need to attend meetings to speak up for your jobs and your patients! Be ready to help WSNA distribute leaflets and flyers to educate the public! Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper in favor of maintaining County funded health care services. There will opportunities for everyone to help, in many ways.

Please contact me directly at mconley@wsna.org or 206-575-7979 ext 3012 and let me know that we can count on YOU to be ready to act as soon as the budget proposals come out.

 

June 2, 2008 - WSNA Acts to Protect Your Privacy

WSNA has learned that the County has received an information request related to staff at the King County Correctional Facility downtown.

WSNA attorneys are requesting information from the County about the Public Disclosure request and considering all options for appropriate legal action to protect the safety and privacy of our members!

Please contact me if you have any information you feel we should know about this issue. Watch this page for updates!

Margaret Conley, RN, ARNP
WSNA Nurse Representative
206-575-7979, Ext. 3012 - mconley@wsna.org

 

May 20, 2008 - Banking of Holiday Hours!

Did you know you can now bank holiday hours as vacation time rather than accruing it as comp time? WSNA has been working with HR and Payroll to assure that the system was ready to accept this new option in time for the Memorial Day holiday. Directions for how to mark your time card have come out from the county in the last week so check your county email if you are interested in this option.

The advantage of banking hours as vacation time is that you can accrue them long term, they are not subject to payout at the end of the year, nor are they capped. The disadvantage is that they are banked as straight time ( 8 hours) rather than accrued as 12 hours of comp time.
The choice is yours, you DO have options!

 

May 20, 2008 - Are You Bilingual?

Watch this site as well as your county email if you are a nurse who uses bilingual skills as part of your job. The county is updating their form and process to accommodate paying you the bilingual premium won in your new contract. You will need to have a supervisor sign off on the form assigning you this premium so please be aware that this benefit is coming soon and do the necessary paperwork to get this money. The premium amount is small but it is an acknowledgment of your skills by the county. We will work in the next contract cycle to increase amount.

 

May 20, 2008 - Are You Reading This?

If you are reading this and think this is a good way to get updates from WSNA please contact your WSNA unit rep Margaret Conley at mconley@wsna.org or at 2-6-575-7979 ext. 3012 and let us know.

 

May 1, 2008 - Local Unit Update…Did you know?

Conference Commitees or LMCs are currently active at the following locations: Columbia, Northshore, Eastgate, Federal Way, Renton, Auburn, Child Care office downtown, TB Control Clinic, and the Regional Justice Center in Kent. WSNA is working with nurses at the King County Correctional Center, White Center, North, Kent, DYS, and other locations to start conference committees or resume LMCs where those have become inactive.

Brown Bag Meetings have occurred this month or are scheduled in the near future at the following locations: RJC Federal Way Auburn Northshore White Center
Renton TB Clinic North Eastgate Child Care Office

Nurses have been calling and your Nurse Rep has attended numerous meetings to support King County Nurses this month in investigatory meetings, disciplinary meetings, and PIP meetings at several different sites.

To Do List:

• Update your email address and phone number with WSNA, so that we can contact you more easily.
• Contact WSNA Nurse Rep to set up a meeting at your site or to become involved.
  Margaret Conley, RN, ARNP, WSNA, Nurse Rep at (206) 575-7979, ext. 3012 or email mconley@wsna.org