Your WSNA negotiating team met with Kadlec management on Tuesday, February 10, and Wednesday, February 11 for the 19th and 20th days of bargaining.

A mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) again joined both parties in an effort to move discussions forward.

Going into these sessions, your team came prepared to stretch, problem-solve, and respond to management’s stated concerns. We worked to find common ground on the three priorities members have consistently identified: wages, break relief, and safety.

We were prepared to move.

Management was not.

On the second day, management made it clear they remain unwilling to meaningfully close gaps. Instead, they continue to test how much delay, how much monitoring, and how much “process” nurses will accept without real change.

At this point, the pattern is unmistakable.

 Escalation is necessary.

⚠️ Nurses Priority Issues

1. BREAKS and BREAK RELIEF

• WSNA has been clear that continued evaluation without action does not solve a current problem, nurses need real break relief now, not another cycle of study while missed breaks continue.

2. SAFETY and WORKPLACE VIOLENCE 

• WSNA has maintained its proposal to establish a Weapons Detection pilot program through a letter of agreement.

3. WAGES, ECONOMICS and Benefits

• Current Management proposal is: 2.75% at ratification, 2.5% in the second year. 2.75% in the third year. $1.00 market adjustment for all grades and $0.50 adjustment for grades 6-25.

  2027 additional market adjustment $0.50 for grades 6-25

• Current WSNA proposal is: 

  4.25 first payroll following Nov 1, 2025

  1.50 first payroll following Nov 1, 2026

  1.50 first payroll following May 1, 2027

  1.50 first payroll following Nov 1, 2027

  1.25 first payroll following May 1, 2028

Management’s wage proposal still does not close the gap with other Providence facilities providing the same level of care.

WSNAs proposal closes the gap over the life of the contract, ensures all of our nurses will increase their hourly rate 10 dollars over the life of the contract.

📣 Upcoming Action – Mark Your Calendar

• Strike Captain Training!
• Session 1 Tuesday, February 18, 2026 8am-10am at the Richland Community Center Meeting Room (500 Amon Park Dr. Richland, WA 99352)
• Session 2 Wednesday, February 17, 2026 8am-10am at the Richland Community Center Meeting Room (500 Amon Park Dr. Richland, WA 99352)

❓ Strike FAQS:

Are we striking?

No. A strike has not been called. We are beginning a strike readiness assessment to measure our strength and apply pressure.

What is a strike commitment?

It is NOT a strike authorization vote.
It is a way to measure whether members would support a strike authorization if negotiations break down.

High participation strengthens our bargaining power.

Why escalate now?

Because management has shown limited movement after 20 sessions and mediation. We will continue to meet at the negotiation table but need to be prepared.

If there were a strike, what would happen?

• WSNA Labor Executive Council would review negotiations
• Members would vote on strike authorization
• If authorized, legal notice would be provided
• Strike timing and strategy would be carefully planned

Strikes are strategic and democratic — not impulsive.

What about unemployment benefits?

Washington law now allows striking workers to apply for unemployment after a waiting period (approximately 2–3 weeks).
If a strike ends before that eligibility period, no benefits would be paid.
Benefits are partial wage replacement and limited in duration.

More education will be provided if needed.

Call to Action

Contact WSNA Organizer Ryan Rosenkranz (rrosenkranz@wsna.org) for any questions.

• Be Prepared for Escalation
  Wage progress often comes only when management feels pressure. Staying engaged now ensures we are ready for next steps if needed, including pickets or a strike vote.
• 💙 Show Solidarity Every Wednesday! 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)
• Stay Informed and Share Accurate Information
  Read bargaining updates carefully and help correct misinformation on units. Management’s contradictory messaging thrives when nurses aren’t up to date.

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: Bargaining will resume on March 2 & 3
• 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