Join us at our first virtual bargaining update meeting on Thursday, 3/7 from 6:30- 8 p.m. to hear more about where things stand on wages, vacation, and seniority in our negotiations so far. You can join the meeting by using the link that was sent in the email update or by contacting WSNA Organizer Jenny Galassi at jgalassi@wsna.org to get the meeting link.

March 5 was our ninth session at the table with Confluence administration. To date your team has made 120 proposals which cover topics like how seniority is calculated, vacation practices, and scheduling processes that let you build your work schedule without multiple layers of approval processes.

We have proposed wages and benefits and have made it clear you expect the same retirement plan as currently extended to nurses at Central. We’ve explained how the move to centralized staffing has impacted operations on the floor at Mares. And thanks to the strength of your bargaining team and the support of your observers at negotiations, after a very clear discussion with management at the table we now have signs that Confluence is finally hearing us.

Building a collective bargaining agreement is much like building a home. The foundation is the strength of the bargaining unit, the walls are basic union protections, and the fixtures and plumbing are the items specific to your bargaining unit that makes your home livable for the long term. We knew your bargaining unit had a strong foundation as we approached the table and we’ve spent the past few months building walls on that foundation in bargaining; now we need your input on the details so we can add the Mares-specific touches that make this a home you’re proud to live in.

We are holding an online virtual drop-in this Thursday, March 7 from 6:30- 8 p.m. We will have a brief overview of how we’ve proposed handling seniority, step placement and years of service in your contract and will teach  you how to read a pay scale and understand how your base pay works in a union environment. We’re also looking for feedback from Mares nurses on how we should keep you updated through this process. Members from your bargaining team will be present to answer questions and update you on negotiations.

Please join us Thursday, March 7 from 6:30- 8 p.m. If you did not get the update which included the link via email, contact WSNA Organizer Jenny Galassi at jgalassi@wsna.org to get the meeting link.

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Shawn Mork at sreed@wsna.org or WSNA Organizer Jenny Galassi at jgalassi@wsna.org.