Bargaining Team Update – Step Advancement Implementation
Posted Mar 30, 2026
We want to provide an important update regarding the implementation of the new anniversary-based step advancement system included in the tentative agreement.
Over the past week, we raised concerns with the Employer regarding how this transition would impact nurses who are close to earning a step increase under the current hours-based system.
We are pleased to share that Kadlec will maintain the current (status quo) process for step advancement at this time, and will collaborate with WSNA over the coming months to develop an implementation approach that ensures nurses are not unduly negatively impacted, or inadvertently overly compensated, as the transition to an anniversary-based system is finalized.
This means that, at this time, nurses will not lose progression they are close to achieving, while this work continues.
We recognize how important this issue is and appreciate the many nurses who brought forward questions and concerns. Your input directly informed these discussions and helped move this issue forward.
We will continue working with the Employer to finalize the details of implementation and will provide updates.
What This Means for You
- Your step advancement will continue under the current hours-based system for now
- If you are close to your next step, you will not lose that progress due to ratification
- No immediate changes to how your step is calculated
- WSNA and the Employer will work together to ensure a fair transition to the anniversary system
- More detailed guidance will be shared as the implementation plan is finalized
Bargaining Team Recommendation
Your bargaining team worked hard throughout this process to secure meaningful improvements while protecting core priorities. While this agreement does not achieve everything we set out to accomplish, we believe it represents the best contract we are likely able to achieve at this time.
For that reason, the bargaining team is recommending a YES vote, with the understanding that there is still work ahead, and we will continue to build on this progress in future bargaining.
Information Sessions - Tuesday, March 31
Join us to review the Tentative Agreement, ask questions, and get the information you need before voting:
- 0600–0800
- 1200–1400
- 1700–1900
All Information Sessions will take place in the RINGOLD ROOM at Kadlec.
Ratification Vote Information
- Date: Tuesday, March 31
- Time: 7 AM – 7 AM (April 1)
- Method: Electronic ballot
- Eligibility: WSNA members in good standing
Your voice matters, please take the time to review the information and participate in the vote.
In solidarity,
Your WSNA Bargaining Team
Meri Bukovisnky – CDU, WSNA Chair
Crystal Rivera – ED, Member at Large
Milari Romero – ICU, Member at Large
Franklin Alvarez – 7RP
Andrew Blake – Cath Lab
Kelsi Duncan – NICU
Deborah Langston – PACU, Grievance Officer
Anita Dennis – PACU, Grievance Officer
Jamie White – 9RP, Secretary/Treasurer
Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Jennifer Jackson at jjackson@wsna.org.