We have big news to share: Washington state has just made history.

Thanks to the unwavering advocacy of thousands of workers, including many nurses like you—Unemployment Insurance (UI) will now be available to workers on strike. This landmark legislation was signed into law on May 19, 2025.

Senator Marcus Riccelli stands with WSNA nurses to make history! Together, they fought for and won unemployment insurance protections for striking workers—proving the power of nurse advocacy and legislative partnership. (Februay 2025)

A huge thank-you goes to:

• Sen. Marcus Riccelli – our bill sponsor
• Sen. Rebecca Saldaña and Rep. Liz Berry – Labor Committee Chairs
• Rep. Beth Doglio – who championed this bill last year
• The WSNA Political Action Committee (PAC) – for their leadership and commitment
• All the WSNA nurses who showed up for Lobby Day, contacted their legislators, and raised their voices in support of this essential protection

But the biggest thank you goes to YOU, the workers who showed up, testified, called, and organized. This is your victory.

Why This Matters Now

As we prepare for what may be a challenging round of contract negotiations, it’s critical to know our rights and resources. This new law provides a safety net if workers are forced to withhold labor to secure fair pay, safe staffing, or improved working conditions.

For the first time in Washington’s history, nurses who go on strike will be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits, helping alleviate the financial burden of standing up for what’s right.

Stay Informed. Stay United.

This is the power of collective action—and it couldn’t come at a more important time. Sacred Heart nurses deserve a contract that reflects the care, skill, and dedication we bring every day.

Get Involved – Be Heard – Make a Difference

Contact your WSNA Officer Team or Nurse Representative to stay updated and learn how to get more involved.

Make your voice count—fill out the negotiation survey by June 1, 2025, so we know what matters most to you at the table!

We have open Officer positions, Delegate seats on the Spokane Regional Labor Council, and are always looking for strong unit Shop Stewards.

Do you know your unit’s Steward? Maybe it should be you.

Meet Reba Carlson and Chloe Salvatore—dedicated Float Pool RNs and proud WSNA Shop Stewards at Sacred Heart Medical Center. They’re standing up for nurses across every unit, every shift, every day. Union strong, float pool proud!

“Reba and I had the opportunity to participate in WSNA’s Lobby Day this year, meeting with so many WSNA Leaders and members from all over the state was an incredible experience.  We were briefed on this year’s legislative priorities, and meetings were arranged with our district representatives and senator…. Unemployment insurance for striking or locked-our workers”—Chloe Salvatore (SHMC Float Pool Steward).

IENA nurses at Lobby Day raising their voices for the issues that matter—safe staffing, workplace protections, quality patient care, and the historic win: Unemployment Insurance for striking workers. When nurses advocate, change happens!

Together, we are stronger.
Together, we win.

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Kitt Ruchert, BSN, RN