Contract Mediation Update

October 10, 2008 - Contract Vote!

Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Times:
7:30 am - 9:30 am
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Room: CC610

 

October 6, 2008 - Celebrate Victory! We Have a Tentative Agreement!

Thanks, due largely to your participation in informational picketing, the candlelight vigil, your letters and phone calls to hospital administrators, our collective bargaining strength enabled the negotiation team to preserve and improve working conditions at UWMC!

After three months of negotiations and mediation, your WSNA negotiation team reached a tentative agreement with hospital administration. The members of WSNA must now vote upon this tentative agreement.

Your negotiation team recommends a “yes” vote.

• We PREVAILED in our demand for a Fair Wage Package (7.5% increase over the course of the contract, better in comparison than any other State Contract; charge nurse premium increase; added step; no changes to the percentage paid by the employer for health care benefits: Employer: 88%; RNs: 12%).
• We SUCCEEDED in gaining and maintaining critical working conditions benefits (enhanced training for charge nurses, limits to required shift rotation, double-time penalty pay for unscheduled weekend work, new wellness incentive program).
• We RESISTED and FENDED OFF most of the take-aways proposed by hospital administration (including preserving Rest Between Shifts (short break) premium!).

FOR ALL THE DETAILS, COME TO ONE OF THE THREE VOTING SESSIONS:

Date:
Wednesday, October 15th

Times:
7:30 am - 9:30 am
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
06:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Location:
TBD

This Tentative Agreement is a MAJOR WIN! Come early to meet with your negotiating team and ask questions. Remember, you must be a WSNA member in good standing to vote. Membership applications will be available there.

 

October 3, 2008 - Tentative Agreement Reached!

In a mediation session that lasted well into the night, the Washington State Nurses Association reached a tentative agreement with hospital administration. Key issues were resolved surrounding patient safety and nursing recruitment and retention, paving the way for an agreement to be reached. (Read more...)

 

September 17, 2008 - Turning Up the Heat

Your voices and actions over the past few months and weeks have been heard and are making a difference! You have done a great job sending a loud message to Hospital Administration in several ways:

• Hundreds of RNs demonstrated our solidarity by attending the Informational Picketing.
• Many RNs have sent articulate and compelling emails to the CEO and CNO of UWMC that demand respect and a call for a fair contract!
• One hundred RNs demonstrated unity by attending the Candlelight Vigil, with passionate speeches being given by several of your own nurse leaders.
• We successfully raised public awareness of our issues through media, newspaper, radio and television coverage.
• RNs are talking to their colleagues, local unit leaders, negotiating team members, WSNA staff and Hospital Administration about the issues on the table and are effectively demanding a fair contract!

Where Are We Now?

We completed mediation session #2. Your negotiating team responded to hospital administration’s most recent offers with a comprehensive, fair and reasonable counterproposal.

Hospital administration is still proposing take-aways but has responded to our counterproposal by modifying several of these take-aways. They are STILL take-aways.

Hospital Administration appears to be seriously considering our counterproposals and have indicated they are willing to move on some issues.

Hospital administration indicated they “need more time” to give us their financial counterproposal.

We have scheduled another mediation session to be held on October 2, 2008.

Keep the Flame Burning!

• Continue to stay involved with these difficult contract negotiations.
• Continue to send emails to UWMC Hospital Administration, CEO Stephen Zeniewicz, stephenz@u.washington.edu and CNO Lorie Wild, lwild@u.washington.edu
• Update our records at the WSNA office so you can receive up-to-date info. Call or email your current home phone number and your personal email address at 206-575-7979 or send your information to jbussert@wsna.org

 

 

September 12, 2008 - HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION SAID THEY HEARD YOU?
Your negotiating team went into our first day of mediation, hopeful that hospital administration would demonstrate their proclaimed commitment to "maintaining a healthy and safe working environment for our nursing staff as well as to maintaining a total compensation package that is competitive within the Seattle community."

You decide…

Hospital Administration finally gave your negotiation team a “Package (TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT) Proposal” that contains the following:

7/1/09:  3% (1% ABOVE THEIR LAST OFFER)

7/1/10: 2%; Add step 28 @ 2% above step 26 (NO DIFFERENCE FROM LAST OFFER)
The wage proposal will only be offered if the UWMC RNs agree to Hospital Management’s Rest Between Shifts Takeaway AND the FMLA Takeaway. (Reduce rest for 8-hours to 10 1/2 hours AND you will only get paid for the rest you miss AND you will not get rest between shifts if you are on standby or callback; You will have to use sick leave and vacation at the same time you use FMLA).

In other words, hospital administration is willing to give you a whopping 5% raise over the two years (7/1/09 – 7/1/2011), but only IF YOU AGREE TO THE TAKEAWAYS LISTED ABOVE .
Your Negotiating team has been working for you!  We have told Hospital Administration, nurses want to be respected for the excellent, dedicated “Magnet” status care they provide every single day. 

What are some of WSNA’s proposals Hospital Administration rejected?

1. 12% WAGE INCREASE OVER 2 YEARS (6% in 2009 and 6% in 2010-1011)
2. Fill in missed steps (eg., years 11, 13, 17 etc.).
3. Increases to some of your premiums (standby pay, certification premium, weekend premium)
4. Time sheet to contain a line for missed rest breaks (state law requires  employees to take rest breaks)
5. Extra vacation day at year 17.

Candlelight Vigil

September 15, 2008

View photos here.

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 1,200 nurses at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC), held a candlelight vigil to demonstrate the nurses’ concerns for safe patient care over stalled contract negotiations. The last mediation session is scheduled on September 15th The outstanding issues include:

• Rest between Shifts - The Hospital’s proposal to reduce the time of rest between shifts places both patient care and RN safety in jeopardy.  Research studies confirm that the amount of time nurses receive between shifts is directly linked to an increase in negative patient outcomes.  Any attempt to reduce the time of rest between shifts for RNs is simply irresponsible.
  
  
• Economic Package - In order to recruit and retain qualified nurses in this time of a shortage of nurses, we must have a competitive economic package that is consistent with hospitals throughout the region and the State. UWMC’s current wages are 8% below other Seattle area hospitals. 
  
  
• Changes in Benefits - Proposed changes by the Hospital will greatly reduce the nurses’ ability to take time off including time off to care for sick family members.  Nurses simply want to maintain the current level of benefits and are not demanding anything additional. 

"During these negotiations, the Hospital has not demonstrated a willingness to address the nurses’ concerns.  This lack of willingness is evidenced by the Hospital’s repeated attempts to take away every advantage contained in the current contract which ensures safe patient care and protects nurses from exhaustion and burnout.  While UWMC is a State organization, no direct funds are allocated by the State for wage increases for the nursing staff.   According to the UWMC, the Hospital funds all nursing wage increases.  Therefore, unlike other State employee negotiations that are taking place, the state budget deficit is not a consideration for these negotiations," said Linda Machia, JD, Chief Spokesperson for WSNA UWMC Negotiating Team.

"Less rest between shifts is not safe and not acceptable. Any reductions in our benefits are not acceptable.  Relying on temporary nurses instead of investing in our own permanent nursing staff is not acceptable. The RNs at UWMC are united in our goal of outstanding patient care, safe working conditions and a good quality of life for the nurses and patients at UWMC.  We want to reach a fair agreement so we can continue to provide the best care for our patients," said Steve Krauss, RN, CNOR, WSNA Local Unit Chair for UWMC Registered Nurses.

 The flame of the candlelight has long been a symbol for nursing since the days of Florence Nightingale. It represents the unity of nurses and the proud tradition of the profession that they exemplify every day. "We are gathered for this vigil tonight to reflect on the impact that these proposals could have on the welfare of the patients and nurses at this great hospital and the larger community. Just as these candles will light our steps when we walk this evening, we hope that this vigil will illuminate the issues facing UWMC nurses and puts us on a path towards a safe, fair, and rapid resolution," said Kim Armstrong, BSN, RN, President of WSNA.

 

Informational Picket!

September 3, 2008

View photos from the informational picket!

 

August 29, 2008 - *INFORMATIONAL PICKETING* AND NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE

Informational Picketing September 3rd
07:30-10:00a.m.
In front of the main entrance

WHY YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PICKET!

UWMC Registered Nurses deserve a contract that encourages nurses to be able to give high quality nursing care and a contract that allows nurses to support their families.

NEGOTIATIONS ARE STALLED. HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION REQUESTED MEDIATION BECAUSE WSNA WOULD NOT AGREE TO THE SUBSTANTIAL TAKEAWAYS AND PALTRY WAGE INCREASE UWMC HAS OFFERED. DATES FOR MEDITATION ARE BEING SCHEDULED.

On August 28th, Hospital Administration informed your negotiation team that it is a “new day” at UWMC and that it would not agree to anything other than a paltry 2% per year wage increase and no increases to any premium pay.

THE MAJOR TAKEAWAYS PROPOSED BY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION:

1. Removal of the 1 1/2X premium for third weekend work.
2. If you utilize FMLA, you will also have to use your sick days and vacation days at the same time you are on FMLA.
3. Rest Between Shifts Premium: You will only receive it if your rest is less than 10 hours (all shifts) and you will only receive it for the actual hours of rest you missed. You will not receive RBS if you are on standby or callback.
4. SIX page restrictive dress code policy (current policy is two pages).
5. 7/1/09: 2% wage increase. 7/1/20: 2% wage increase; add step 26 @ 2% above step 24.

WSNA FACTS:

• By July 1, 2009, your wages will be 8% below the Seattle area hospitals of comparative size and complexity.
• WSNA’s wage proposal is based upon Seattle area hospitals of comparative size and complexity and would foster recruitment and retention of UWMC RNS.
• As of July, 2008, the cost of living (CPI-W) is 6.2% higher than in July, 2007.
• Hospital Administration’s wage offer will put you significantly behind other comparative hospitals.
• At the negotiation table, Hospital Administration rejected most of WSNA’s proposals to improve your working conditions.

*INFORMATIONAL PICKETING IS A LEGAL AND LEGITIMATE WAY TO LET HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION KNOW THAT YOU WILL NOT AGREE TO EROSION OF YOUR WORKING CONDITIONS THAT PROVIDE PATIENT SAFETY.

*INFORMATIONAL PICKETING IS A LEGAL AND LEGITIMATE WAY TO LET HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION KNOW THAT YOU AND YOUR PATIENTS DESERVE NURSES WHO ARE ADEQUATELY COMPENSATED FOR THE HIGH QUALITY OF CARE YOU PROVIDE 24 HOURS A DAY, 365 DAYS A YEAR.

THERE WILL BE NO DISRUPTION TO PATIENT CARE.

Email your CEO, Stephen Zieniewicz and let him know that Hospital Administrations takeaways and insulting wage counter are not acceptable. stephenz@u.washington.edu.

 

Join Us on the Picket Line!

August 27, 2008 - Informational Picketing!

Attention University of Washington Staff Nurses!

YOUR Time is now! Every Registered Nurse RN2 and RN3 in the bargaining unit MUST join us in our efforts to negotiate a fair contract.

You do not need to be a dues paying member of WSNA to join us in speaking with “one voice” in solidarity!

Attend UWMC Registered Nurse Contract Informational Picketing:

WHEN: September 3rd, 07:30 - 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Meet in the public areas near the Main Hospital 3rd Floor Entrance. Your Negotiating Team will be there to direct you to an appropriate place (for you and your families, neighbors, friends, pets, etc.) to show support for ALL UWMC RNs.

WHY?: Hospital Administration is only proposing “TAKE-AWAY’S”

• They are NOT willing to pay RNs a fair wage. Their proposal will not bring your salary close to what other RNs in our area are earning! Ask yourself “Did I notice my 2% increase I received in July of this year?” You need to know that the initial proposal from Administration is: 2% increase in 2009 and 2% increase in 2010, with just one additional step added at year 28 @ 2% above step 26.
  
  
• They have NOT agreed to any premium increases we have proposed.
  
  
• They want to Decrease Rest between shifts to 10 hours
  
  
• They want nurses to Decrease their use of Sick Time Benefit
  
  
• They want nurses to use their benefit time for all FMLA leave taken. UWMC RNs MUST respond to Hospital Administration with strength, solidarity and a willingness to stand up and say “NO”!

Your contract allows you to informational picket, without fear of retaliation. This informational picket is NOT a work stoppage.

It is just one way that you can voice your concerns and your desire for a fair contract.
Please call Christine Himmelsbach, WSNA Nurse Rep at 206-575-7979, ext. 3034 or Jan Bussert, WSNA Nurse Organizer at 206-575-7979, ext. 3004 if you have any questions.

Hope to see you on September 3rd!

 

Contract Negotiations News

August 8, 2008 - Nurses fill the room in a “Show of Force”

Nurses are concerned and speaking out, in solidarity, about the current progress of our contract negotiations! Many thanks go out to all those observers who attended our session on August 6, 2008. Topics and issues discussed included:

• Low wage offer still on the table; Management fails to respond to a counteroffer for a fair market-competitive wage!
• WSNA again rejects major take-a-ways: proposed reduction in Rest Between Shifts! Fatigue and nurse/patient safety are not a priority!
• WSNA again rejects new dress code policy!
• WSNA rejects proposal to take away nurses opportunity to monitor and influence our practice. We say “keep Surgical Subcommittee contract language.”

Your Negotiating Team Needs You!
WSNA leaders and staff will be making rounds in the hospital and clinics.

The schedule is as follows:

8/11/2008
11:30-2:30pm & 5:30-7:30pm

8/14/2008
8:30-10:30pm

8/15/2008
8:30-10:30am & 11:30-2:30pm

8/19/08
1:00am-3:00am

8/21/08
9:00-11:00pm

If you would like to see the team at a particular time or place, call Jan Bussert, WSNA Organizer at 206-575-7979 ext. 3004 or Christine Himmelsbach, WSNA Nurse Representative at 206-575-7979 ext. 3034.

Stay informed! Send us your personal email address to receive important messages from your team: Contact Jan Bussert at jbussert@wsna.org

 

July 16, 2008

Contract negotiations are in full swing.  We have completed a serious of lengthy team preparation sessions and have persisted through our second, all day negotiation sessions.  Many important factors that directly affect our nursing working environment and ability to deliver quality patient care are on the table at this time, such as:

• We have presented a comprehensive proposal including wages and premiums. We are listening to you, the local unit members!  Based on the results of the recent telephone WSNA/Wilson survey, we understand that a market competitive financial package is important to you. 
• We expect the hospital will present their economic package to us during the next negotiation session. 
• We are discussing issues related to nurses having Education and Professional leave and how the hospital can best support professional growth.
• We have been discussing issues that will directly affect your nursing practice, such as, contract language that focuses and supports nurses’ Health and Safety, Staffing and Breaks. 
• We are in the process of clarifying contract language, with the goal being to make the contract easier to understand and use. 

Your negotiating team is working hard and doing a great job. We are looking forward to seeing you all at our next local unit meeting.                 

 

July 7, 2008

Here are your negotiating team members:

Team Member	Unit	Email address
Harry James	OR	hejames_99@yahoo.com
Stephen Krauss	OR	catbert@oz.net
Anita Stull	7N-Psych	anitastull@comcast.net
Sherri Burch	6S OB	burch@tscnet.com
Sonia Nelson	8N Rehab	soniasn7@aol.com
Kathy Higgins	PACU	lamiken@msn.com

 

April 4, 2008

Building Bargaining Strength - Your New Contract Negotiations Have Started!

In effort to best serve the Local unit, meet the needs of our nurses and build our bargaining strength, we will be conducting a telephone survey of UWMC Registered Nurses in the WSNA Local Unit.

The telephone survey will be conducted by the Wilson Center for Public Research beginning the week of April 7, 2008. The information gathered will be kept confidential and will only be used by your WSNA Local Unit Officers and Negotiating Team Representatives.

If you have not updated your telephone number at the WSNA office, please do so now by calling 206-575-7979.

 

March 18, 2008

Negotiations Schedule

Team Prep

1. March 27, 08:00 to 12:00,  Location:  UW room T-478
2. April 10, 10:00 to 2:00,  Location:  UW pavilion room SP-2276
3. May 8, 10:00 to 2:00,  Location:  UW pavilion room SP-2276

Team Prep with WSNA Attorney

1. June 2,  9:30-3:00,  Location:  WSNA Office
2. June 9,  9:30-3:00,  Location:  WSNA Office
3. June 16,  9:30-3:00,  Location:  WSNA Office

WSNA/UWMC Negotiations Sessions
Confirmed:

1. June 26 or 27 will be our first negotiation session.  Entire WSNA proposal will be presented at this session.  We are waiting for final confirmation back from administration to confirm which of these two dates will be session #1. 

Confirmed negotiation dates:

1. June 26
2. July-  10, 22,  24,  28,  31
3. August- 4, 6, 28, 29

Reserved dates to be used, only if necessary: 

1. September- 3, 4

 

March 4, 2008

WSNA/UWMC 2008 Negotiations Have Begun!

Your current negotiating team members are: 

Steve Krauss, RN, O.R. - Local Unit Chair - catbert@oz.net
Harry James - OR  -  Local Unit Treasurer - hejames_99@yahoo.com
Anita Stull - 7 North Inpatient Psych - Local Unit Secretary - astull@u.washington.edu
Tara Goode - Unit Rep - 5SE-tgbragg@hotmail.com
Christine Himmelsbach - WSNA Nurse Representative - chimmelsbach@wsna.org

We are looking to add members to our negotiating team NOW!  We have over 1250 registered nurses in our bargaining unit and NEED TO HAVE a wide-spread representation from all areas of the hospital on our team.  If you are interested in learning more about how you can help,  please contact one of the team members listed above,  or by contacting your unit representative. 

WSNA/UWMC 2008 Negotiations Schedule Planner

Team Prep

1. March 27, 08:00 to 12:00,  Location:  UW room T-478
2. April 10, 10:00 to 2:00,  Location:  UW pavilion room SP-2276
3. May 8, 10:00 to 2:00,  Location:  UW pavilion room SP-2276

Team Prep with WSNA Attorney

1. June 2,  9:30-3:00,  Location:  WSNA Office
2. June 9,  9:30-3:00,  Location:  WSNA Office
3. June 16,  9:30-3:00,  Location:  WSNA Office

WSNA/UWMC Negotiations Sessions

Awaiting confirmation:

1. June 26 or 27 will be our first negotiation session.  Entire WSNA proposal will be presented at this session.  We are waiting for final confirmation back from administration to confirm which of these two dates will be session #1.

Confirmed negotiation dates:

1. July -  10, 22,  24,  28,  31
2. August - 4, 6, 28, 29

Reserved dates to be used, only if necessary: 

1. September- 3, 4