For the past two days, we – management and the Union – worked with a federal mediator to see if we could get any closer to settlement. Mediation is a confidential process so that both parties can speak candidly in an effort to see if there is an agreement to be had. Both sides agreed that, unless either the Union or the Hospital made a formal proposal across the table, we would keep confidential ideas that either side floated in a conceptual manner. We can appreciate that this lack of detail is incredibly frustrating. Today was a day of heavy, emotional exchanges in which we shared bluntly how we were feeling about the progress of negotiations and how we felt unheard, undervalued, and generally dismissed,

We come back to mediation on Monday. We still hold hope that we can come to agreement by the end of that day. However, we’re still planning on doing what we need to get done.

• Wednesday, August 17, we take the first vote of no confidence in Jeff Sperring, CEO (and we’ll be notifying the ANCC of the results). We will also kick off strike assessments that same day: 1200-1900 at 4733 Sand Point Way NE.
• Monday, August 22, second opportunity for vote of no confidence in Dr. Sperring and continue with strike assessments: 1700-2100 at The Mountaineers, 7700 Sand Point Way NE.

Not one of us wants to strike, but every single one of us will. This isn’t just about wages and hours; we see this contract as our opportunity to make one last stand for our patients, for our profession, and for this institution that so many of us love.

Wear your blue. Stay strong, stay loud, stay united.

Follow us on Facebook (Nursing Strong Seattle Childrens RNs) and Instagram (@SCHNurses).

In Solidarity,
Your negotiating team: Co-Chair Edna Cortez, PACU; Co-Chair Kara Yates, Medical Unit; Grievance Officer Diane Gates, PICU; Secretary/Treasurer Lindsey Kirsch, Urgent Care; Grievance Officer Erin Doyle, PATCH; Grievance Officer Samantha Lake, Operating Room; Katie Podobnik, Ambulatory; Sarah Munro, Bellevue Surgery Center; Shaina Lawson, NICU; Stefanie Chandos, ED; Annika Hoogesteraat, CVICU

Please contact WSNA Nurse Representative Travis Elmore Nelson at telmore@wsna.org or 206-575-7979 ext. 3117 with questions or to find out what you can do to get a fair contract!