We met for session #4 on October 21. Fresenius management finally gave us a proposal which includes responses to our economic proposals.

"NO" to our Pay Scale Proposal

We were disappointed that Management rejected our proposal to add a Pay Scale to the Union contract. A Scale, with defined steps, would ensure nurses know when they'll move-up in pay based on years of experience. Instead, Management offered to increase your pay by just _one_percent_ (yes: 1%) each year over 3 years. That is (obviously) insulting and unacceptable.

"NO" to Improving Fringe Pay and Other Benefits

The Employer also rejected these other proposals:

• 15% "in lieu of benefits" pay for per diem nurses;
• increased shift differential;
• improved preceptor pay;
• Education premiums for Certified RNs and Nurses with BSN/MSN/PhD;

The upside: The Employer did agree to our proposal to pay staff nurses an extra 5% when they are performing charge nurse duties.

Our Wage Proposal

In addition to holding our proposal to add a Pay Scale to the Union contract, we modified our wage improvement to a demand for 9% this year, 7% next year, and 6% in the third year of our next contract.

We hope they will show you respect and offer a reasonable and fair wage increase in our next bargaining session.

Regarding receiving credit for past nursing experience; they have not yet accepted this proposal. We made it clear that we expect you to receive credit for your nursing experience both in the US and Abroad.

Sticker Up

Every day at work wear your WSNA stickers, badge reels, badge buddies and buttons. You can find them on your WSNA bulletin board. If you have a WSNA T-shirt, wear it at work.

Our next bargaining session will take place on November 5.

Support our Fresenius UFCW Dialysis Technicians at their Informational Picket

The UFCW 3000 Fresenius technicians have been in a long battle with the company for better wages, safe staffing and humane scheduling.  They are holding an Informational Picket on Wednesday, October 29 from 4-5:30 PM at the South Tacoma Clinic. 5825 Tacoma Mall Blvd.

Let's show unity and go out and support their Informational Picket. If you are not working, you may attend. Our contract expired 10/21, so the company cannot tell you that you can't support their picket based on our contract language. We will bring Signs and Sign making materials for you to use. Wear your WSNA T-shirts if you have one. We'll have some available at the picket. Bring your family, pets and your Team Spirit.

Facebook Group

Keep in touch by joining our Facebook Group: WSNA - Fresenius RNs

Nurse Unseen Live Screening - Saturday October 25 from 08:30-Noon

This is the last week to register for this event. Don't miss out.

Be sure to thank the nurses who are donating their time to serve on the Bargaining Team:

Elisha Knight - Float
Suzette Marengo - Tacoma South
Hyacinth Faith Bunac - Gig Harbor
Mia Guilder and Richelle Besarra - Puyallup
Benicka Castilla - Tacoma East

Questions/Comments. Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Janet Stewart JStewart@wsna.org.