Addressing Disrespect

From the outset of negotiations, respect has been the common thread running through everything our bargaining team has been fighting for. Respect for our jobs; Respect for the ratios that would keep our patients safe; Respect for our cultural backgrounds and community.

At bargaining session number seven last week, MultiCare showed us that their “core value” of respect is a word they use while trying to expand their system and build new hospitals – but not one that extends to the nurses that work here.

1. Respect Charge Nurses. Charge nurse work is WSNA nurse work. MultiCare is giving away our work to managers. This is work that should be performed by experienced nurses, that understand our departments and the needs of our patients, and are invested in the success of our units. Wrongfully assigning CANMs to this role is a failure to abide by a core WSNA job protection provided by our contract. We’re continuing to read testimonies from nurses about how CANMs are impacting day to day work – you can fill out this survey here.
2. Puyallup Patients Deserve Ratios. Here, management “is not interested in fixing problems that don’t exist,” despite nurses raising numerous examples of how ratios would fix the staffing issues we face while providing direct patient care. The safety of patients at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital is assured by ratios. The state of Oregon, where MultiCare is trying to expand, has nursing ratios. It absolutely can be done. Yet management repeatedly dismisses the concerns we bring forward and the proposed solutions ratios can bring. They refuse to respect our need for guardrails around self-scheduling and proper staffing levels to provide the care our patients’ need. 
3. Discrimination Is Not Ok. For quite some time now, numerous WSNA nurses have brought forth discrimination concerns at Good Sam. It is so prevalent, in fact, that MultiCare has hired an external investigator to review complaints and examine the hospital’s culture. It’s painfully clear why. Going into last week’s labor-management meeting, we asked for an update on that investigation. The agenda item could have said just said: “Update on Discrimination Investigation.” But instead, the agenda that management wrote refers to our WSNA Union Rep. (who is Black) by name having raised the issue of “colored nurses,” an outdated and derogatory term. If the failure to respect our nurses’ cultural and racial background happened on this level and directly with WSNA staff in a formal meeting, it is no surprise that members experience discriminatory practices on the floor. If you or a coworker has experienced or witnessed discrimination, please document it on the WSNA ADO form and contact your WSNA Nurse Rep ASAP.

On other proposals, MultiCare again made minimal movement at the bargaining table. We reached a tentative agreement on allowing call back hours to trigger short rest premium and protections for nurses in procedural units. Management made no movement on their wage proposal. Currently it stands at 3.25% + $1 in year 1, 3.25% in year 2 and 3% in year 3.

The need for nurses to engage is stronger than ever. Respect is not something management is going to hand us. It is something that we already earned through how we care for this community. It is now something we must demand at the table. Showing up as an observer is a powerful way to demand this respect and strengthen your bargaining team’s voice.

Picket FAQ – Addressing questions about a potential info picket!

While there’s no picket currently planned at Good Sam, we know that there have been many questions about a potential future info picket. If MultiCare continues to disrespect us at the table, we’ll take our fight to the public.

Observe Bargaining: Next Negotiations are April 30 and May 4

Thank you to our observers who showed up for this last bargaining session! It made a difference at the table when management saw all the nurses who showed up to support our bargaining team and hold management accountable.

Our next negotiations on April 30 and May 4 will take place at MultiCare University. Stay for a few hours or the whole day – we'll provide lunch!

If you’d like to observe any of these negotiation dates, reach out to WSNA Organizer Grace at glamonte@wsna.org or 206-553-9794.

While we are in negotiations, bargaining team members will be hosting informal union meetings with WSNA members. “Sip and Chats” occur every Thursday from 2000-2100 while we are in negotiations. Click the button to join via Microsoft Teams or call in (206) 485-2614; Passcode: 44078739# to join.

Your WSNA Bargaining Team is requesting that EVERY NURSE wear their WSNA T-Shirt at work (especially on Friday’s & bargaining days)! We also have “I Support My Bargaining Team" buttons and stickers available to be worn on negotiation days. We have ordered more shirts that will be here soon. Send us your pictures so that we can share on social media and be sure to tag us on Instagram.

Become a member, make our voice Stronger! https://www.wsna.org/membership/application. Contact membership@wsna.org if you are not getting emails from WSNA. Also, please remember to check your junk mail!

Follow us on Instagram here for behind-the-scenes of bargaining, memes, and information on negotiations straight from your officers.

Your Bargaining Team: Co-Chair Savanah James, PCU; Treasurer Aaron Bradley, Palliative Care; Secretary Mindy Groven, PACU; Grievance Officer Emalie Hobi, ED; Jordan Goakey, Family Birth; Nicole Mandeville, ICU; Jennifer Hudson, ED; Jacqueline Dynes, ICU.

Please contact Travis Elmore Nelson, WSNA Nurse Rep, at telmore@WSNA.org or 206-575-7979 ext. 3117 with questions or to find out what you can do to get a fair contract!