King County public health nurses to rally Sept. 27
Seattle King County public health nurses will be holding a rally from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 outside the King County Chinook Building at 401 5th Ave. They will be rallying on the corner of 5th Avene and Jefferson Street.
The nurses have been negotiating with the county for eight months.
King County’s public health nurses, who provide a safety net for King County communities, are watching their paychecks stagnate because of broken promises by the county. The nurses are paid based on a 10-step salary scale. This means after 10 years as a public health nurse, they no longer get raises – just a small cost of living adjustment. By comparison, nurses’ salary scales at most area hospitals go to 25 or 30 steps.
"We want the county to value us in a way that aligns with its True North and values,” said Kiesha-Garcia Stubbs, BSN, RN, a public health nurse. “Public health nurses hold a unique level of tolerance, but we are done tolerating different treatment than other nurses. We deserve more, and we will not stop fighting until we get it."
King County’s public health nurses provide direct care in clinics, support mothers and babies, care for residents experiencing homelessness, provide health care in jails, connect people with food programs, and so much more.
They should feel valued and supported for their years served.
Follow the public health nurses (staff) on Instagram.