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Ruth Schubert
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Unions demand hazard pay for health care workers

Frontline health care workers are putting their lives on the line to save the lives of others. In view of these extraordinary circumstances, WSNA, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW and UFCW 21 issued a joint statement demanding hazard pay for health care workers as they face this pandemic.

Unions push back on Labor Relations Board’s anti-democracy decision

Labor organizations across Washington State today are expressing outrage in reaction to the National Labor Relations Board postponing of all union recognition elections until at least April 2. They are also calling on the Board to revoke the decision, reschedule all such elections, and make all elections become all mail-in ballot only.

Joint statement from SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, Washington State Nurses Association and UFCW 21 on prohibition of large events during COVID-19 outbreak

As nurses and healthcare workers providing essential care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and housing and shelters across Washington state, we applaud Gov. Jay Inslee and the leaders of King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties for taking the necessary step of limiting large gatherings during this stage of the COVID-19 outbreak.Prohibiting events is a common-sense measure that will help protect our community members from the novel coronavirus.

WSNA statement on nurses and COVID-19

Nurses are on the frontlines of caring for patients, including those with COVID-19, and nurses represented by the Washington State Nurses Association have been caring for COVID-19 patients here in Washington state. We do need to ensure, though, that nurses and other health care workers are getting the needed protective equipment to do their jobs safely.

WSNA, WSMA, WCAAP Joint Statement on COVID-19 Outbreak

Seattle, Wash. — The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), Washington State Medical Association (WSMA), and Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP), representing more than 30,000 health professionals in the state, today issued a joint statement on the COVID-19 outbreak.

Progress in Negotiations Results in Postponement of Strike Date

After ongoing discussions, the three unions representing 13,000 health care workers at 13 Providence hospitals statewide have agreed to pause plans to announce a strike. The parties have made significant progress on key issues. The parties will go back to the table to continue bargaining their respective contracts.

Kadlec nurses ratify contract

By an overwhelming majority, the WSNA-represented registered nurses at Providence Kadlec Regional Medical Center have ratified a new 3-year contract. Nurses maintain paid time off benefits, win enhanced staffing and workplace violence language

State cites and fines St. Joseph Medical Center Tacoma for serious safety violations

The state Department of Labor and Industries on April 11 cited and fined St. Joseph Medical Center Tacoma $14,400 for safety violations related to a series of attacks on nurses at the hospital. L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health launched an investigation at the request of WSNA after a patient in the psychiatric unit assaulted numerous nurses in October 2018. The patient threatened to kill, punched, kicked and scratched staff members, inflicting serious injuries.

MEDIA BACKGROUND: St. Joseph Medical Center bargaining

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS BACKGROUND WSNA-represented registered nurses at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma have been in contract negotiations for seven months. WSNA and St. Joe’s have held 12 negotiating sessions to date, the last two with a federal mediator. The 13th session is scheduled for March 22.

WSNA statement on Texas judge ACA ruling

The Washington State Nurses Association is deeply disappointed in the ruling of a federal district court in Texas v. Azar, that found the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional.If the Texas judge’s decision on the Affordable Care Act is allowed to stand, millions of Americans will have their health, their financial security and even their lives put at risk.

Joelle Fathi, DNP, RN, ARNP, named WSNA Director of Nursing Practice & Health Policy

SEATTLE – The Washington State Nurses Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Joelle Fathi, DNP, RN, ARNP, as Director of Nursing Practice and Health Policy. In this role, Fathi will develop WSNA’s nursing practice programmatic activities and other mechanisms that improve patient care standards and advance the practice of nursing through regulation, public policy and education.

WSNA statement in support of DACA

Here in Washington state, many nursing students and working nurses are training and caring for patients thanks to their DACA status. We value what these students and nurses contribute to creating better health outcomes for everyone. The research on this is clear: Patients tend to receive better quality care when health professionals mirror the ethnic, racial and linguistic backgrounds of their patients. We join the American Nurses Association in calling on Congress to work together to find a compassionate, bipartisan solution that respects the humanity of every individual affected by the President’s recent decision to rescind the executive action for those with DACA status.

WSNA statement on arrest of Utah nurse

The Washington State Nurses Association joins the American Nurses Association, the Utah Nurses Association and registered nurses across the country in expressing outrage over the treatment of a registered nurse in Utah who was handcuffed and arrested by a police officer for following her hospital’s policy and the law.

WSNA Statement Opposing the American Health Care Act

On May 4, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act, repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. Washington State Nurses Association Executive Director Judy Huntington, MN, RN, made the following statement opposing the legislation.

Staffing bill passage a major step forward in ensuring safe staffing

The Washington State Nurses Association applauds the legislature for passing the Patient Safety Act today, addressing WSNA’s top issue of safe staffing. The bill creates greater transparency and accountability for nurse staffing plans and the work of nurse staffing committees in hospitals.

WSNA Statement Regarding Executive Order on Immigration

Washington State Nurses Association Executive Director Judy Huntington, MN, RN: "President Trump’s executive order to ban travel and immigration to the United States from seven Muslim-majority countries, including refugees fleeing violence, is antithetical to the purpose of the Washington State Nurses Association and threatens nursing’s ability to meet the health care needs of our patients."

New Executive Director Named for Washington State Nurses Association

The Washington State Nurses Association Board of Directors announced today that they have selected Washington state nursing leader Sally Watkins, Ph.D., MS, RN, to be the new WSNA Executive Director, replacing Judy Huntington, MN, RN, who is retiring in June after 18 years in the position. Dr. Watkins will join WSNA April 3, 2017.

Nurses rally before advisory strike vote against Tacoma General Hospital

MultiCare challenged to invest in patient care and stop unfair labor practices More than 730 Registered Nurses say MultiCare’s Tacoma General Hospital has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into market share expansion at the expense of patient care. The hospital’s overall safety grade has continued to decline since 2013 when it received an overall grade of A. The hospital’s safety rating has since been downgraded to an overall ranking of C this fall.

Nurse rest and meal break lawsuit settlement at St. Joe’s in Tacoma includes $5 million in back pay

The Washington State Nurses Association is pleased to announce that we have reached a groundbreaking settlement of our lawsuit concerning meal and rest break violations against Franciscan Health System d/b/a St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma. Under the terms of the settlement, St. Joseph will pay nurses $5 million in back pay for missed meal and rest breaks. St. Joseph also will establish a “block break relief” system to ensure that nurses are afforded uninterrupted rest periods, and the hospital committed to hiring an additional 26 break relief nurses to safely care for patients while other nurses take their rest and meal breaks.

With Tacoma General failing to address dangerous, chronic understaffing, RNs head back to bargaining table Nov. 15

TACOMA -- (Nov. 14, 2016) The WSNA-represented nurses at Tacoma General Hospital head back into mediation tomorrow demanding that the hospital address the severe, chronic staffing concerns that imperil patient safety at the hospital. Management’s deceptive “bargaining summary” prompts new Unfair Labor Practice charge. “No Voluntary Overtime, No Voluntary Extra Shifts” job action, which started Nov. 10, is having an impact, with nurses reporting receiving hundreds of text messages over the weekend begging them to come in.

Tacoma General nurses say “NO” to voluntary overtime, extra shifts Nov. 10-17

TACOMA – (Nov. 7, 2016) After 11 months at the bargaining table, the registered nurses at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital will not take voluntary overtime or extra shifts Nov. 10-17. This concerted union action is in response to MultiCare’s ongoing illegal actions against the nurses, as well as its refusal to address staffing issues and break coverage in a way that supports the safe care of patients at the hospital.

Seattle Children’s nurses, hospital management reach tentative agreement

SEATTLE -- (Oct. 25, 2016) After more than 15 hours at the negotiation table on Oct. 20, the WSNA-represented nurses at Seattle Children’s and hospital management reached a tentative agreement on a 3-year contract. The tentative agreement includes wage hikes of 10 percent over three years, overtime pay for nurses in outpatient clinics, paid parental leave and more.

Tacoma General nurses rally for better health care, fair contract

TACOMA -- (Sept. 8, 2016) The WSNA-represented registered nurses at Tacoma General Hospital rallied in Tacoma’s Wright Park today to demand that MultiCare Tacoma General leadership address the patient safety and staffing issues they continue to raise in contract negotiations.

WSNA Statement of Support for VA Rule Change as Regards Utilization of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

I am writing to support the proposed rule [RIN: 2900-AP44 - Proposed Rule - Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (81 Fed. Reg. 33155, May 25, 2016)] which takes an important step in allowing our nation’s veterans direct access to high quality health care delivered by APRNs (nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists and certified nurse midwives).

Hundreds of nurses, supporters picket Tacoma General Hospital

TACOMA -- (June 27, 2016) Hundreds of nurses, labor leaders and community members gathered today for an informational picket and rally for the 730+ registered nurses at MultiCare Tacoma General. The nurses are fighting for a fair contract that will support safe patient care. Chanting “Patients before Profits!” the picketers lined Martin Luther King Jr. Way in front of the Hospital.

Tacoma community lining up in support of Tacoma General nurses

TACOMA -- (June 21, 2016) Support is pouring in from labor organizations, elected leaders and individuals for the registered nurses at MultiCare Tacoma General and their fight for safe patient care. Over 1,000 individuals have signed petitions calling on Tacoma General to put “Patients before Profits,” and hundreds have added their personal comments.

More than 730 TV spots over two weeks Support Tacoma General nurses picket June 27

TACOMA -- (June 15, 2016) Hundreds of nurses and community members are expected at an informational picket for the 730+ registered nurses at MultiCare Tacoma General on June 27, from 2-7 p.m. (speakers and rally from 4-5 p.m.) In the ramp-up to the “Patients before Profits” picket, WSNA is airing hundreds of TV commercials, advertising on social media, and distributing information to thousands of community members and fellow labor unions.

Statement on the potential sale of Yakima Regional Hospital

The sale of Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center is of vital importance to the registered nurses who work there and their union, the Washington State Nurses Association. As nurses at the bedside every hour of every day, we have seen first-hand the damaging impacts of CHS’s focus on profits over patients. We would welcome an owner who put patients and the community first.

Kadlec nurses ratify new contract

RICHLAND, Wash. (Jan. 25, 2016) – By an overwhelming majority, the WSNA-represented registered nurses at Kadlec Regional Medical Center have ratified a new 3-year contract. During nine months of negotiations, the bargaining team fought off a number of damaging proposed take-aways and reached an agreement that supports nurses in giving patients their best each and every day.

MEDIA STATEMENT: Kadlec Nurses Give Overwhelming Support in Strike Advisory Vote

An overwhelming majority – 90 percent of the hundreds of Kadlec RNS who voted tonight – said "yes" in the Strike Advisory Vote WSNA held during two membership meetings. We heard loud and clear that the union nurses at Kadlec, want their bargaining team to continue fighting hard for a fair and respectful contract – and that the nurses will support their team in doing whatever it takes, up to and including a strike.

WSNA statement regarding negotiations with Kadlec, expiration of contract Nov. 30

Yesterday, Nov. 30, the Washington State Nurses Association bargaining team met with Kadlec management for our twelfth negotiating session. While we were hopeful that an agreement could be reached prior to the contract expiring on Nov. 30, yesterday’s negotiations did not yield an agreement. The WSNA-represented nurses at Kadlec will be holding two meetings on Dec. 7 with additional meetings on Dec 8 to discuss next steps, including a potential Advisory Vote by members on the possibility of a strike.

Statement regarding negotiations between WSNA and Kadlec

The Washington State Nurses Association negotiating team met with Kadlec’s administrative management team November 11, for the tenth negotiation session in these contract talks. There was a lot of discussion, but little movement on the nurses’ key issues of safe nurse staffing levels and benefits, including vacation time and sick leave

WSNA Calls for Immediate Actions to Increase Ebola Preparedness

In response to a recent survey of registered nurses in Washington, the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) is calling on hospitals to take urgent action on four key priority issues to ensure the safety of health care workers, patients and the public. WSNA is advocating for increased training of health care workers, adequate protection of health care workers, practice and drilling on care for a potential Ebola patient, and adoption and dissemination of CDC-recommended guidelines and protocols.

Nurses at Providence Holy Family Hospital Hold Informational Picket During Stalled Contract Negotiations

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing over 400 registered nurses at Providence Holy Family Hospital, is holding an informational picket today from 2 - 6 pm on the corner of Central and Lidgerwood in front of the hospital to highlight issues critical to patient safety and nurse retention during difficult contract negotiations. Nurses at Holy Family have been fighting for patient safety measures such as safe staffing and an adequate preceptorship program for new nurses. A key concern is that the proposed contract will make it difficult to recruit and retain great nurses, directly impacting patient care.

Nurses at Kittitas Valley Healthcare Present Petition to Hospital Board Calling for a Fair Contract

Nurses and community members gathered at a Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH) board meeting on August 22, 2013 to present a petition to the board calling on them “to treat the nurses fairly and agree to a respectful contract”. The Washington State Nurses Association, representing over 100 nurses at KVH, has been in negotiations with the hospital for over 18 months. Nurses have raised several safety concerns and are also now expressing fear that the lengthy and contentious negotiation process is threatening the hospital’s ability to recruit and retain nurses.

Nurses Celebrate Victory for Patient Safety as Washington State Supreme Court Affirms Prior Decision in Legal Battle Over Missed Rest Breaks

On April 2, 2013, the Washington State Supreme Court in the case of Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) v. Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC), reaffirmed its earlier unanimous decision upholding nurses’ statutory rights to be paid overtime when their duties prevent them from taking a rest period. Sacred Heart Medical Center’s motion for reconsideration of the Court’s October 25, 2012 (No. 86563-9,10/25/12) decision was denied, bringing an end to the long, hard-fought battle of the nurses for justice and protection of patient safety.

Nurses at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Hold Informational Picket To Highlight Safety Concerns During Contract Negotiations

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing over 700 registered nurses at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, is holding an informational picket today to highlight issues critical to patient safety and nurse retention during difficult contract negotiations. Nurses are concerned about patient safety and ensuring that St. Joseph can continue to recruit and retain great nurses. Management has proposed a radical change to the sick time system and drastic benefit cuts.

Nurses at St. Joseph Medical Center Hold Informational Picket During Stalled Contract Negotiations

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing over one thousand registered nurses at St. Joseph Medical Center, is holding an informational picket to raise concerns about patient safety and welfare. Nurses are concerned that current proposals by management will make it harder to deliver safe patient care. Facing stalled contract negotiations, nurses are now reaching out directly to the public since their care will be at risk.

Nurses at Tacoma General Hospital Hold Informational Picket During Stalled Contract Negotiations

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing over 650 registered nurses at Tacoma General Hospital, is holding an informational picket today highlighting issues critical to patient safety and nurse retention during difficult contract negotiations. Nurses at Tacoma General have been fighting to have a meaningful voice on patient care issues and battling devastating retirement benefit cuts at the bargaining table. Nurses are concerned about patient safety and the ability to continue recruiting and retaining great nurses at Tacoma General.

Nurses at St. Joseph Hospital Hold Rally During Stalled Contract Negotiations

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing over 700 registered nurses at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, is holding a rally today to highlight issues critical to patient safety and nurse retention during difficult contract negotiations. Nurses at St. Joseph have been battling against elimination of their sick time and drastic benefit cuts and. Nurses are concerned about patient safety and ensuring that St. Joseph can continue to recruit and retain great nurses.

Washington State Nurses Association Wins Victory for Patient Safety in Legal Battle Over Missed Rest Breaks for Nurses

In a huge victory for patient safety, the nine justices of the Washington State Supreme Court unanimously upheld nurses’ statutory rights to be paid overtime when their duties prevent them from taking a rest period. In 2007, the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) brought the legal action on behalf of the 1,200 registered nurses at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC) in Spokane to recover unpaid wages for denied rest periods.