Happy June, Good Sam RNs! As temperatures heat up, we’re thinking about our contract expiration next year and how we can gear up for negotiations now. This month, we’re continuing to hold Unit Rep trainings for nurses that want to ensure their unit is active and ready for bargaining in 2026, as well as continuing to enforce the contract MultiCare committed to with us. Keep reading for more updates as we head into summer!

Good Sam Nurses Win! Settlement Reached in Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against MultiCare

The NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) Region 19 found in favor of WSNA’s Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges against Good Samaritan for unilateral changes to its dress code by preventing some nurses from wearing WSNA t-shirts, and to the Residency Agreement. A settlement was recently reached in the case, resulting in an email posting, Intranet posting, and physical notice posting about our rights as union nurses.

Regarding T-shirts, the finding was that changing the T-shirt policy is a change in working conditions which requires bargaining with the union. Good Sam made arbitrary changes to this policy, discouraging and even disciplining nurses for wearing their WSNA T-shirts at work, while permitting the wearing of other non-union insignia. This is a violation of union protected concerted activity under the National Labor Relations Act, the federal law that governs labor relations between private sector employers, unions, and employees. Thank you to the nurses who testified in this case.

Need a WSNA shirt? Contact your Local Unit Chair Ilia Mondoy at mondoyit@gmail.com.

Regarding the Residency Agreement, MultiCare made unilateral changes to the agreement, which it did not bargain with the Union. Any changes to the terms and conditions of a nurse’s employment must be bargained with the Union. In addition, Good Sam determined the terms of the Residency Agreements directly with incoming residents without involving the Union – this is called “direct dealing” and it is unlawful; management cannot circumvent the Union and deal directly with a member. Though the Employer sees this as a “pre-employment” agreement with an individual who isn’t yet in the bargaining unit, the NLRB agreed with us that a nurse affected by the negative terms of the Residency Agreement is already employed and in the bargaining unit.

More Virtual Unit Rep Trainings Announced!

Now is a great time to become more involved in our union by signing up for a Unit Rep Training in the month of June.  Unit Reps help support our elected union officers as they volunteer on staffing committee, negotiations, and all the other work that comes with ensuring our contract is enforced.

The training covers the basics of contract enforcement and workplace organizing. Topics include:

• The role of a Unit Rep
• Our rights at work
• Just cause discipline
• Internal issue organizing for your unit
• Actions during contract campaigns

We’ll be holding virtual training sessions for about an hour on these dates:

• June 3 at 1200
• June 3 at 1900
• June 4 at 0930
• June 10 at 1900
• June 11 at 1130

If you’re unsure if you can commit to being a Unit Rep but still want to get involved, we encourage you to come to the training to see if it’s something you’re interested in! If you want to keep our contracts strong, advocate for your coworkers, help fix issues on your unit, and get involved with our union, sign up today.

Click this link to sign up for a session and get sent a link to attend!

Reach out to Grace at glamonte@wsna.org with any questions.

Unit Rep Spotlight: Amber Dawn-Wilson, Observation Unit

“My name is Amber-Dawn and I have been a nurse for a little over a year now at Good Samaritan Hospital. I’m stepping into the role of union representative to advocate for fair, safe, and supportive working conditions for all nurses on our unit. My focus is on ensuring we have the resources we need—like adequate break coverage and clear communication around policy changes—so we can provide the best care for our patients. I believe in being a grounded, approachable voice who works collaboratively to create positive change at both the unit and hospital level."

A huge shoutout to Amber and all the other Unit Reps who help advocate for their coworkers and patients! You keep our union strong at Good Sam.

Break For Safety: Continue to Accurately Clock Missed Meal and Rest Breaks!

Many unit managers continue to send emails when nurses accurately report their missed breaks. These emails often lay the blame on a nurse’s “poor time management skills” instead of addressing the root of the issue: low staff and inadequate break nurse coverage. If a manager pulls you into their office for an Investigatory Meeting about missing breaks, use your representation rights to ask for a union rep. We have the right to our breaks, and our patients have the right to be cared for by a well-rested nurse.

Your Good Samaritan Officers,

Ilia Mondoy, Raeli Korzeniecki, Mindy Thornton, Aaron Bradley, Atalia Lapkin

WSNA Organizer Grace LaMonte GLamonte@wsna.org

WSNA Nurse Rep Janet Stewart Jstewart@wsna.org

Know a coworker who isn’t in our union at Good Sam, or a nurse who doesn’t have a union where they work? Reach out to organize@wsna.org and an organizer will reach out to you!