Your WSNA bargaining team met with UWMC leadership on Tuesday, July 29, for our 14th contract bargaining session. We have done everything possible to retain the 28/160 Flexible Scheduling option. We’ve made it clear to the employer: this long-standing benefit matters to nurses, and we are committed to exploring every possible solution to preserve it.

Unfortunately, when we proposed an alternative model to maintain this innovative scheduling, the employer rejected it outright. Their rationale?

The innovative scheduling model currently in use (28/160) is only possible so long as we are considered salaried employees 'exempt' from certain provisions of the FLSA. The employer believes that we have been misclassified as exempt, opening them up to legal exposure. To avoid the threat of a lawsuit, the employer isn't even willing to consider retaining the salaried status of Montlake RNs, which will take away our current flexible scheduling model. The bargaining team has fought this every step of the way, and the employer hasn't budged.

Despite these efforts, the employer has insisted that they will be implementing this change on February 16 of 2026 whether or not we agree.

Recognizing limited legal options, this has caused our bargaining team to rethink our strategy and focus on economics as the remaining area of potential gains.

The longer a Tentative Agreement is delayed, the longer it will take to realize the raises you deserve.

While insisting that Montlake RNs sacrifice flexible scheduling, management continues to assert that they’ve topped out on their economic authority, citing efforts to align wages across Montlake, Northwest, and Harborview campuses.

Our Latest Proposal:

Taking into account the significant loss of the 28/160 scheduling option, combined with how your wages stack up with other area hospitals, your WSNA team pivoted to offer a counterproposal that includes:

• Phasing out 28/160 scheduling beginning February 16, 2026
• A 7% across-the-board market wage adjustment effective February 16, 2026
• A 3% wage increase effective the first full pay period after ratification
• A 2% wage increase effective July 1, 2026

We remain committed to reaching an agreement that nurses can confidently support with a YES vote.

What’s Next: Advisory Vote

What is an Advisory Vote?

An advisory vote is not an official vote on the contract, but rather an opportunity  to “take the temperature” of voting members on what they think about the employer’s last offer (which they currently claim to be the best they can do).

With these results, we can let the employer know that RNs deserve more and stand united with the WSNA bargaining team.

The Advisory Vote will take place in the week of August 4. This is your opportunity to weigh in on management’s latest offer. While we will share the full text of the employer’s proposal before voting begins, here are the key elements under consideration:

UWMC ML has offered the following:

• A 3% raise year one
• A 2% raise year two
• 5 current “Ghost Steps” be replaced with an amount that splits the difference with the steps on either side
• One additional top step
• Additional 50 cents for Night Shift Premium
• Additional 50 cents for Eve Shift Premium
• Additional 50 cents for Charge Nurse Premium
• Additional 50 cents for Preceptor Premium
• A new $3 Sunday Night Shift Premium

We believe this proposal does not fairly compensate RNs for the significant concession of eliminating 28/160 scheduling. We’ve urged UWMC to revisit our last proposal and return to the table with additional authority to make a meaningful movement on wages.

Your WSNA bargaining team is not able to recommend a “YES” vote on the employer’s last proposal currently.

We are asking members to vote in accordance with how they really feel about the proposal.

It is important to remember that only WSNA members in good standing can participate in this advisory vote.

RNs who wish to vote but are not members can still join.  Click here to get more information.  By joining you can make your voice heard!

Stay Engaged – Upcoming Events

We want to hear from you. Please join us at one of the following events to share your feedback, ask questions, and stay informed:

Coffee Sip & Chat – Thursday, July 31 | 1:00–2:30 PM

Atrium Espresso (rear of the cafeteria)

Virtual Town Hall – Thursday, July 31 | 8:00–9:00 PM

Your WSNA bargaining team,
Chris Jakubowski - LU Chair - Cath Lab
Doug Harper - Secretary/Treasurer- 4SA NICU
Jan Bower - Grievance Officer – OR
Erika Speckhardt - Unit Rep - 5SA CTICU
Melissa Sanchez - Unit Rep - 6S L&D
Lizzy Ryden - Unit Rep – ED
Melissa Humphrey - Unit Rep - Digestive Health
Amber Callison - 7SA
Sorrel Orr - Unit Rep - 7SE
Mark Beaumont - 5SA CTICU

For questions contact:

Ed Zercher WSNA Nurse Representative ezercher@wsna.org
Zach Seikel WSNA Organizer zseikel@wsna.org