Pushback and Hold the Line

Day 3 Summary:

Today marked our third day of negotiations. We opened with a fair and forward-looking wage proposal — one that recognizes the real economic pressures nurses face, aligns with market standards across Washington, and positions Kadlec to recruit and retain experienced staff.

By the end of the day, management responded with a counterproposal that made it clear they are either out of touch with reality or deliberately wasting time with unserious offers.

Their dismissive tone continued throughout the day as we presented thoughtful counterproposals. In several cases, we were met with immediate “no” responses  without any meaningful discussion, consideration, or attempt to problem-solve.

⚠️ Ongoing Challenges

Workplace Violence Protections:
We resubmitted our Letter of Understanding (LOU) calling for 24/7 security coverage in the main Emergency Department and a weapons detection system to proactively screen visitors. When we raised a recent incident involving an aggressive ICU visitor who admitted to carrying a knife, management’s response was to downplay it saying it was “just a small pocketknife.” We must ask: At what size does a knife become a problem? Any weapon in a healthcare setting is unacceptable!

Meal and Rest Breaks:
We reaffirmed our Break Nurse proposal exactly as originally written. For the first time, management claimed their “data” shows breaks aren’t an issue at Kadlec. We know otherwise from your survey responses, your emails, and your firsthand experiences. Those voices will be heard in upcoming sessions.

💰 Economics

Wages:
Management’s wage counteroffer 2% at ratification and 2% each subsequent year, with a one-time 0.5% adjustment for steps base through 7 is insulting. While employers often start low, this proposal shows a lack of respect for your dedication and skill. It doesn’t even keep pace with inflation, meaning every year under their plan, you’d fall further behind.

Combined with the recently announced reduction in retirement contributions, the union believes that this combined effect could equate to an average 2% wage reduction, a double hit to your economic security.

Differentials:
Of all our proposed increases, management countered with only a $0.25/hour raise for Charge RNs. Perhaps they’ve finally noticed that Charge RN and Lead roles are increasingly hard to fill but this token gesture doesn’t come close to addressing the underlying problem.

Key Takeaways from Day 3

Today’s responses from management were deeply disappointing and disconnected from the realities nurses face every shift.

But let’s be clear, deliberate turning a blind eye to the issues we seek to resolve won’t weaken our resolve.

Every nurse at Kadlec deserves a contract that reflects our value, protects our safety, and supports our patients.

The fight does not end here, it strengthens with every bargaining session, every hallway conversation, and every show of solidarity. Together, we will hold the line until we win a fair contract that respects our work and our community.

This is YOUR contract, and we need YOU!

Call to Action

• Join the Local Unit Meeting October 15 at 530pm – 630pm & 745pm – 845pm in Conference Room Columbia 1/2 (virtual link)
• Wear your blue WSNA T-shirts every Wednesday to show management that you stand behind the negotiating team.  (If you need a blue T-shirt reach out to WSNA Organizer Ryan Rosenkranz (rrosenkranz@wsna.org)
• The negotiation team will be dropping off poster boards in break rooms with the comments from the break survey. These can be added with stories/comments or designs by unit staff. These will be displayed during a future contract negotiation.

Staying Informed

• Stay informed - Read all WSNA communications and status updates from the Employer
• Engage and Participate – Watch for important updates on how to support your Bargaining Team and fight for a Fair Contract
• Let your Bargaining Team know if you wish to be an Observer during negotiations. Upcoming dates: October 10, 23, 24, 27, 28
• Follow on social media platforms:
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/kadlecrns
  • Instagram: @wsna_kadlec
• Make sure you check out your WSNA webpage: Kadlec Regional Medical Center - WSNA

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 your bargaining team members or WSNA Nurse Representative Jennifer Jackson jjackson@wsna.org