Recently, we heard from our nurses there were concerns that WSNA did not continue the shift incentive MOU, and some didn’t understand why. Because of this, we wanted to send out a communication to help clarify what really happened, and to bring you the most accurate information, directly from us.

After Nov. 1, management approach us to renew the shift incentive MOU after joint sessions of bargaining already began. Because bargaining had commenced, we felt this move was one that should have been taken to the negotiating table. While we did have concerns with the number of nurses who were being denied already earned incentive pay, when they called in sick and didn’t use their PTO Safe Sick for coverage, the core reason on holding was to gain permanent language in your contract for a more stable pay practice and predictability moving forward. It’s important to note, your officers and negotiating team of nurses have not at all said “no” to renewing the shift incentive. Our hope, and push, is to get permanent language in the contract so nurses will have permanent predictability for the life of the contract, and not be stuck with a month-by-month unpredictable renewal process leaving nurses in the dark as to if the MOU will continue or not.

We want what is best for our WSNA nurses, and what is best is permanent language.

Part of making gains such as this involves the nurses standing together. By signing the bargaining unit petition, you are showing management WE ARE ONE.

If you have not signed do so now HERE!

If you have signed, we challenge you to ask every nurse you work with if they have signed. It’s the one-on-one conversations that move people into action, and in turn, effects change. Change won’t happen without the nurses standing together.

Our next day to bargain is Monday, December 19!

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Jaclyn Smedley, BSN, RN at jsmedley@wsna.org.