November Updates for Overlake RNs following local unit meetings and reallocation in several Surgical Services departments and IV Therapy

Thank you for joining us at the 3 local unit meetings in October and 2 more in November. We reviewed many issues, including:

• FAQs about what we know so far about open enrollment
• Active contract grievances
• Assignment despite objection (ADO) forms various applications: when in doubt, fill one out!
• Break relief role implementation, attest to any missed breaks every shift they occur.
• Representational rights for investigatory meetings
• Membership strength
• 2026 union steward trainings

If you have not done so, already, please sign the petition in solidarity for your staffing plans and complete the brief mid-contract survey. Even if the plan is being followed, if it is of concern in your clinical opinion, fill out an ADO quickly and easily from your phone. Always make an effort to inform your charge nurse or unit management in the case it can be resolved during your shift. Preservation of your department staffing plans ALWAYS requires vigilance! Sign the petition and take the survey now:

Our voices must be heard in the mid-contract petition and survey for Overlake WSNA RNs! – Fill out form

Reallocation in Surgical Services and IV Therapy:

Article 9 in your collective bargaining agreement (CBA) describes the terms and conditions of reallocation of nursing positions. Overlake has communicated with nurses regarding the timelines for rebidding, occurring presently, and the implementation of the change in March 2026. We shared a solidarity petition regarding the effects of the reallocation at the Hospital Staffing Committee on November 13^th and again at the Conference Committee with Overlake leadership on November 14^th. Any coordinated union action is legally protected activity. Stay tuned for updates as we move through this challenging time. We are gratified that so many nurses have reached out and/or joined us to discuss the numerous effects of the reallocation process. Nurses are also encouraged to read all Overlake communications and bring questions and concerns to Human Resources as well. The HR director email is julee.rodda@overlakehospital.org

Questions regarding open enrollment can be directed to the HR director and Melissa Snyder. Her contact information can be found on your Overlake intranet.

Today, we submitted a cease and desist letter with a demand to bargain over the effects of the reallocation, a mandatory subject of collective bargaining. While Overlake has the contractual right to reallocate per your CBA, we have a duty to enforce the contract and represent the nurses effectively. Open enrollment for health benefits in 2026 is ending soon. It is just one very important factor the nurses must consider as an effect of the reallocation. There are several other effects that are coming to light which we must discuss with Overlake. During this challenging time, stay tuned to all employer and WSNA communications for updates.

You can find the section Reallocation in article 9, Seniority, beginning on page 20

One more thing!

With the potential reduction to IV therapy services on night shift, we have become aware that there is an IV proficiency and certification training that is offered through Overlake. The IV therapy nurses at Overlake are among the best! They regularly guide nurses to learn and grow in this important skill set through practical, hands-on training. Please do not delay in signing up for the course. Contact your unit manager for how to sign up. Nurses are encouraged to utilize the continuing education funds if you choose to take additional courses outside of Overlake.

The FAQ specifically regarding this reallocation is posted on your local unit webpage

In unity,

Chris Birchem LU chair
Heidi Scharnitzke Secretary
Crissy Sekine Treasurer
Stacey Alvarez Grievance officer 
Katie Gugliotta Grievance Officer
Brandon Yokoyama Membership Officer 
Michael Golembo Membership Officer

Questions? Contact Nurse Rep Tara Barnes tbarnes@wsna.org

You can find officer and Nurse Rep contact information, your 2024-2027 union contract, and WSNA communications to Overlake RNs on your local unit webpage https://www.wsna.org/union/overlake-hospital-medical-center

If you use social media, please join the private WSNA FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/OverlakeRNs

And follow us on Instagram https://www.facebook.com/groups/OverlakeRNs