We’ve completed our first two days of negotiations, and we’re off to a strong start.

Day 1: WSNA Proposal Presented

Our WSNA bargaining team presented a comprehensive proposal to management, built directly from the priorities PIMC nurses identified through our surveys and discussions. Key elements of our proposal include:

• Gap Coverage: 100% cost coverage between Tier 1 and Tier 2 for treatment at PeaceHealth facilities when only Tier 2 providers are available.
• Emergency Transport: Full coverage for emergent transport off the island.
• Improved Wages: Base wages aligned with St. John’s.
• Expanded Wage Scale: Addition of steps 16, 20, 22, 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34.
• Increased Premiums: Including NTL premiums and equal relief premiums for NTLs.
• NTL Coverage Premium: Compensation for NTLs when no supervisor is on-site.
• Short-Notice Low Census Pay: Pay protection for nurses low-censused with under 2 hours’ notice.
• PTO Improvements: Major increases to PTO accrual.
• Meal Break Flexibility: Ability to take meal breaks after 5+ hours into a shift.
• Scheduling Transparency: Greater clarity and fairness in schedule planning.

Day 2: Management’s Response

Management provided limited responses and agreed to only a few minor items, including:

• Making the contract gender neutral.
• Referring to WSNA as the Union instead of the Association.

However, they also proposed a major takeaway:

Eliminating Article 7.9 – Work on Day Off.

This would mean no time-and-a-half pay for working your day off unless you exceed 40 hours in a week — a serious cut to fair compensation for extra work.

What’s Next

We return to the bargaining table on May 29 and 30 and expect to receive management’s full responses to our proposals.

Let’s Show Our Union Strength!

Let’s stand united for a fair contract. On bargaining days, wear your WSNA t-shirts, stickers, and union gear to show management our solidarity.

Need a shirt? Reach out to any of our bargaining team members.

Our power is in our unity—together, we will win the best contract possible.

In Solidarity,
Your WSNA Bargaining Team
Lesley Preysz – ED
Morgan Timmons – ED
Julie Bielau – PACU
Zanna Cochran – Clinic
Chris Wachholz – Per Diem