Your team had a long day of negotiations for our second session. Management came to the table with a comprehensive counterproposal to the opening proposal we made on October 3.

Management’s wage offer was extremely disappointing, with a proposed wage increase totaling just 8.5% for the life of the three-year contract (3% on ratification, 1% in April 2023, 2.5% January 2024, and 2% January 2025). We are far apart on wages and were very disappointed with management’s offer.

Management also made a few proposed token increases to premiums and other areas that have economic impact, but we are far apart on those items as well, including things like shift differential, charge nurse premium, and most other premiums.

We were able to reach tentative agreement on a few language articles, including “bridging seniority” language that will allow a nurse’s seniority to be reinstated if they return to the Hospital within 12 months, and a few other minor language clean up issues.

We also had good dialogue and a productive exchange of proposals on topics like PTO scheduling, space and breaks for lactation, bonuses for per diems who exceed their minimum hours requirement, and many other subjects.

We are concerned about management’s proposals on several topics, including a reorganization of float clusters.

We have a lot of work ahead of us, on wages as well as other improvements to the contract your team is fighting for. Please continue to show your support for your bargaining team! Our next confirmed negotiating dates are October 27, November 7, 14, 17 and 29.

Your team asks that you show your support by wearing your WSNA shirts on bargaining days. In addition, please send your candid photos of you and your co-workers showing your support to your Nurse Organizer, Ryan Rosenkranz, (206) 867-4627.

In Solidarity,
Meri Bukovinsky - Chair - CDU
Jamie Woodall - Co-Chair - FSED
Vanessa Douglas - Secretary/Treasurer - ICU
Anita Dennis - Grievance Officer - PACU
Andrew Blake - Cath Lab
Kat Banks - PACU
Michelle Killebrew - CV Pre/Post
Kelsi Duncan - NICU

Thank you,
Laurie Robinson WSNA Nurse Representative
(lrobinson@wsna.org)