This will be a brief update compared to the past, as we want to focus attention on the information regarding meal and rest break waivers that our nurses have been (rightfully) requesting. We have heard that the information you have received from the hospital and your management has been inconsistent or confusing, and we're here to help set things straight.

Now on to our update from yesterday's bargaining day

The hospital presented us with a proposal in the morning that showed the most promise around the wage scale. They have listened to and applied our request to condense the pay scale, but it's not especially correct in the application and distribution of the steps. We see an opportunity to teach them how the change will benefit ALL our nurses, and we view this as a promising step forward.

We're still stuck on issues like workplace violence incidents and associated hospital-paid administrative leave, layoff groupings vs. cost centers, and the application of "regular rate of pay" in our contract language. We had passionate, reasonable, and compelling conversations across the table with SCH leaders regarding our reluctance to accept their proposed changes and our insistence that they accept ours. Overall, we remain committed to upholding expectations of humanity and responsibility from our employer, as well as respecting our collective strength and job security.

Pause for a sip of water. Remember to stay hydrated, friends 💙.

Meal and Rest Break Waiver FAQs

Our diligent and ever-so committed Co-chair, Kara Yates, has created a highly informative FAQ, which our attorney has vetted. The information provided is reliable and trustworthy. Please refer to our FAQs for your reference, and let us know if you have any further questions or issues that arise. We're happy to receive your ADOs or emails regarding meal/break issues and elevate your concerns. As always, please ensure that you clock out any missed breaks or meals so that you are compensated and the data is tracked to support our need for break nurses to be added to our staffing.

It's also worth noting that the WA state law regarding meal and rest breaks will change as of January 1, 2026. The hospital leadership chose to adopt this self-imposed change to the waivers for only a few months before it would need to change again. Plus, they did not bargain the new waiver with the union before implementing it (as they are supposed to by law), so we are in dispute over that, as well.

Anyway, the issues the union is dealing with regarding the waivers are ongoing. Still, we recognize that in the meantime, our nurses are being impacted by the recent change, and we want to be here to help them navigate this situation. Here you go –

INFO PICKET

Be there or be square.

Thank you for all of your engagement! We see you wearing your blue on Wednesdays, showing up as observers for negotiation days, engaging in conversations at our Sip 'n Chats, your DMs on Instagram, and providing delicious treats and lunches for our bargaining team!

All of this is AMAZING!

Now, we need you to show up in droves at our informational picket!

• Only 4 days away on Tuesday - September 30 
  Time: 6 - 9 am and 11 am-2 pm
  Place: Right in front of the main SCH campus on Sandpoint Way

Food trucks, music, inspirational speakers from your union and legislative leaders, good vibes, and one of the few opportunities to get all of your frustrations with SCH leadership off of your chest with your fellow nurses and the community! We can't wait to see your signs, your faces, and a sea of blue for the media and our hospital leaders to witness! Let's do this!

A HUGE shout out to Ambulatory Float Pool, Bellevue PACU and Bellevue OR for providing a wonderful lunch for the Bargaining Team! It was definitely appreciated.

Picket Sign Making PARTY 

Come observe bargaining and help make some picket signs at our next bargaining session on September 29 at 1916 Boren Ave, Seattle WA.

YOU ARE WSNA! 

Do not hesitate to contact any of the officers if you have questions. All of our contacts are on our WSNA website. https://www.wsna.org/union/seattle-childrens-hospital. Also, utilizing our Instagram @sch_wsna offers quick updates and opportunities for DMs.

In solidarity,

Your Bargaining Team

Annika Hoogestraat, Kara Yates, Lindsey Kirsch, Sam Forte, Katie Podobnik, Therese Hill, Kelsey Gellner, AJ Nagal, Emma Gordon, Sarah Munro, Cody Ian, Lauren Lustyk, Regan Halom, Jon McAferty and Anne Marie Fountain

WSNA Nurse Rep Linda Burbank at lburbank@wsna.org