On March 14, we met with Overlake for our first session to bargain the effects of their policy and practices related to body worn cameras (BWCs).

Regarding BWCs: In case you missed it, security officers at Overlake have been wearing BWCs since February of 2024. While we appreciate any and all steps employers take to improve security at work, the WSNA continues to have serious concerns over Overlake’s interest in using BWC footage to discipline nurses.

We shared our comprehensive proposal for BWCs. Our proposal focused on making sure that nurses and the union continue to have access to camera footage when/if Overlake management attempts to discipline nurses based on camera footage. We also challenged management’s plans to randomly audit footage. Our goals in this negotiation are to guarantee clarity and protections for nurses.

Overlake shared a counterproposal. We had discussions and answered questions related to the proposals. Specifically, we requested information concerning:

• Communications plan for nursing staff;
• When and where BWCs have been used since implementation in February 2024;
• What training has been provided to nurses regarding BWCs;
• How and if Overlake management intends for random audits of BWC footage to apply to nurses.

From your local unit chair, Chris Birchem:

“Nurses have a need and a right to know what new practices are occurring in the hospital and how BWCs may affect their employment and practice as union-represented nurses at Overlake. I am troubled about the accuracy of footage and use that may affect our nurses, how it may be used for future investigatory purposes.”

We return to the bargaining table on Friday, March 21.

In other news:

Overlake shared this past Monday, March 10, that they have adopted a Taser Policy. Today we asserted our right to bargain the effects of the taser policy, as well as the future roll-out of tasers at Overlake.

Questions? Contact Local Unit Chair Chris Birchem lmh-ccb@comcast.net

Or Nurse Representative Tara Barnes tbarnes@wsna.org