On March 5, 2024, our contract negotiation team met with Overlake management for the second day of bargaining. We exchanged questions, discussed some of last week’s opening proposals, and presented new proposals. While your team is actively working to secure a fair contract that acknowledges your service and hard work, at this session Overlake management focused on cost.

Thanks to all of you who wore stickers on this second day of negotiations, showing solidarity with your negotiating team.

Overlake management has stated the Hospital prides itself on being independent. However, Overlake management has repeatedly refused to tell us whether they intend to affiliate or sell, instead raising technical legal objections. One of our proposals aims to further protect your rights should Overlake affiliate or sell.

At this session, we shared specific ways in which current systems for break relief deprive nurses of their meal and rest breaks. For example, nurses:

• Raised the issue of being unable to take breaks due to the dedicated Break Relief nurses being pulled for a non-Break Relief assignment.
• Explained the serious impacts of inability to take breaks on nurses as well as patients.

We will continue our work to improve the break relief language in the contract.

Some of the other proposals and issues we discussed include:

• Article 5.6: Management’s proposal that per diems must WORK all pre-scheduled shifts, retaining for management the determination when this is unnecessary
• Article 5.11: Our proposal to expand application of the preceptor premium
• Article 6.1: Our proposal to allow use of the grievance procedure for nurses experiencing discrimination
• Article 6.3: Our proposal to add solely clarifying language regarding progressive discipline
• Article 16.10: Regarding Overlake’s proposal to add reproductive loss to bereavement leave, we requested clarification regarding how much Overlake would inquire into this personal and private matter for nurses; management stated their proposal included retaining the right to request verification
• New Contract Language from management about Transition RNs, in which management is proposing to require a longer probationary period than for Residents
• We emphasized the high costs nurses incur for health benefits at Level 2 and Level 3 providers

 Here's how YOU can actively contribute to securing a fair contract.  Stay tuned for the next calls to action from your WSNA team VERY soon

• Wear "I support my bargaining team" stickers on negotiation days. Our next negotiations date is 3/14/24.
• Continue to take pictures wearing your sticker and send it to our WSNA Organizer Zach Seikel at 206-406-7203.
• Read and share negotiation updates with your peers and be vocal. Updates are distributed via email and on the WSNA Overlake Facebook group.
• Join the Facebook Group to see video updates.
• Become a member of our Union if you are not already. Our unity is our strength!
• Reach out to any negotiation team member or contract action team member for negotiation questions or feedback. Their info is on the bulletin board in your unit’s break room.

 Stay tuned for the next calls to action from your WSNA team VERY soon!

Resources and Links

• To Update or Change your contact information: Update Info
• Become a Union Member: Online Application
• WSNA Overlake Facebook Group: Facebook Group

In solidarity,

Your negotiation team and WSNA staff:
Chris Birchem Ortho/Spine Surgery
Cassie Bundick CCU
Caine Ballew Float Pool
Michele Percosky OPS
Kristin Barnett IPS
Stacey Alvarez ED
Melissa Santos CCU
Balla Sarr Break Relief RN
Zach Seikel Organizer zseikel@wsna.org
Tara Barnes Nurse Representative tbarnes@wsna.org.