Kadlec Nurses, 

It is almost September 1, and one of the most significant improvements negotiated in our new WSNA contract is scheduled to be implemented—the transition from the current hours-based "Grade/Step" advancement system to an Anniversary Year (AY) step progression system for both Full-Time and Part-Time nurses. 

This is a change your Union has fought to achieve for more than 20 years. It brings Kadlec's step progression system more in line with those used at hospitals throughout Washington and recognizes a nurse's continued service based on their anniversary date rather than the number of hours worked. 

Over the past several months, WSNA has been working with Providence to ensure that this transition is implemented fairly and equitably. 

Early in the implementation process, nurses raised concerns that an immediate transition could unintentionally disadvantage some employees. Specifically, many nurses would lose an hours-based step increase they otherwise expected to receive and then be required to wait until their next employment anniversary, potentially more than another year, before receiving a step increase under the new system. 

Recognizing that concern, WSNA and Providence agreed to delay implementation until September 1 while we worked together to understand the scope of the issue and identify a solution that would prevent nurses from being harmed during the transition. 

Unfortunately, as of today, a fair and equitable resolution has not been reached. 

The Union's Proposal 

WSNA has proposed that any nurse who would have received a step increase had the Anniversary Year system been implemented following contract ratification—but who has not otherwise received a step increase by September 1, should receive their step advancement. 

In addition, the Union has proposed that nurses who will be within 250 hours of the current 1,872-hour threshold (those projected to have worked between 1,622 and 1,872 hours by September 1) also receive their step advancement during the transition. 

Under this proposal, approximately 89 nurses would receive the step increase they reasonably expected during the transition year. 

Providence's Current Proposal 

Providence's current proposal would require the Union to choose between two groups of affected nurses rather than providing relief to everyone impacted by the implementation delay. 

Under the employer's proposal, step increases would be provided to either: 

• Nurses whose employment anniversary occurred in August but who have not yet received an Anniversary Year step increase, or  
• Nurses who are within 100 hours of the existing 1,872-hour hours-based progression requirement by September 1.  

The Union estimates that either option would provide relief to fewer than 20 of the approximately 89 nurses affected by the transition, leaving the majority of impacted nurses without the advancement they expected when this language was negotiated. 

WSNA believes there is still time for Kadlec to do the right thing and implement this transition in a manner that honors both the intent of the agreement and the nurses who continue to provide exceptional patient care every day. 

How You Can Help 

If you are one of the nurses affected by this implementation delay, we need your help. 

We are asking affected nurses to consider recording a 2–3 minute video describing how this delay has impacted you. Our intent is to share these videos directly with Chief Nursing Officer Kirk Harper and other decision-makers so they can hear firsthand from the nurses whose careers and compensation are affected by this issue. 

You do not need to prepare a formal statement. Simply record a short video (landscape orientation preferred) and tell your story in your own words. Consider discussing: 

• Your role at Kadlec and how long you have worked here.  
• When you received your last step increase.  
• How the delayed implementation has affected your expected advancement.  
• The financial or professional impact this delay has had on you.  
• How waiting longer for your next step increase affects how valued you feel as a nurse and as a member of the Kadlec team.  
• Anything else you would like Kirk Harper and Kadlec leadership to understand about how this delay affects you personally.  

These videos may be shared with the bargaining team, union leadership, and employer representatives as we continue advocating for a fair implementation of the agreement. If additional advocacy efforts become necessary, we will discuss with you how and if your video may be used before it is shared publicly or with the media. 

The goal is not to criticize individuals. Our goal is to help decision-makers understand the real impact this delay is having on the nurses who care for Kadlec's patients every day. 

Your story is more powerful than any spreadsheet or bargaining proposal. Hearing directly from the nurses affected by this issue helps illustrate why timely implementation matters and why WSNA continues to advocate for a solution that reflects the intent of the agreement. 

If you are willing to participate, please reply to this email or contact me directly at jjackson@wsna.org. Because negotiations are ongoing, we ask that videos be submitted as soon as possible so they can be considered while there is still time to reach a fair resolution before September 1. 

Thank you for your continued professionalism, your advocacy for one another, and the exceptional care you provide every day. 

In solidarity,
Your WSNA Transition Bargaining Team