Thank you to all the LTCC staff that reached out to share their concerns and questions. Armed with nurses’ issues, questions, and concerns, bargaining team members along with several other LTCC staff members met with management, demanding answers. Unsurprisingly, it’s clear that management doesn’t fully understand the level of staff or expertise that needs to be on the unit. We clearly told them that, despite UW’s claim of commitment to the unit, it doesn’t feel that way because it seems like no one is listening. Click here to see the questions brought to management and a summary of their responses.

We are scheduling dates to bargain the effects of the layoffs on non-probationary nurses, and we are filing a grievance (see below) for violation of article 6.5 Prior to Layoffs. Please continue to file ADOs & PSNs to document and also educate management on the issues and highlight what’s needed in-order to provide the best care for our patients, many of whom are the most vulnerable members of our community.

We want to make sure the Employer follows the contract. Article 6.5 Prior to Layoffs says:

“Prior to implementing a layoff, the Employer, within the context of its

determination as to the number of FTEs, shifts, and skill mix needed on the unit, will make a

good faith effort to:

a. Reduce overtime on the unit impacted;

b. Reduce the use of agency and traveler nurses on the unit impacted;

c. Reduce reliance on intermittent or nonpermanent nurses on the unit impacted;

d. Utilize low census as appropriate due to a decrease in patient census or other business operations;

e. Seek volunteers on the unit impacted who are willing to be reassigned or reduce their FTE but not go below .5 FTE; and

f. Freeze external hiring into vacant positions within the clinical cluster until the process in section 6.7 is completed.”

Here's what one of our LTCC union siblings, CNA Senu had to say about her experience joining us for our LTCC discussion with management:

There are three ways you can show solidarity and work to keep management accountable:

1. Share your story on workplace violence here:
2. File ADOs and PSNs to document the issues and protect your nursing license.
3. Stay in the loop, make sure you’ve joined our private Facebook group @uwnorthwestrns, our new Instagram @wsna_uwnorthwest, and read your WSNA emails.

Questions? Contact LTCC bargaining team member Celis at celizserrano@gmail.com or contact WSNA Nurse Representative Stephenie Troftgruben at stroftgruben@wsna.org.