On March 11, 2020, Seattle Children’s informed WSNA that the non-represented workforce will receive an additional holiday for 2021, in honor of Juneteenth. Since then, SCH has offered to add Juneteenth as a holiday to all other workers, including those in the two other unions. But not the nurses.

On Friday, April 30, we approached leadership in good faith to add Juneteenth as a holiday. They declined our proposal and instead they want us to trade Presidents Day for Juneteenth. This year, that would mean that we would get both holidays, because we already celebrated Presidents Day. The additional holiday is only true for this year.

We are not ok with this and we think it is shameful. Excluding the nurses from receiving Juneteenth as an additional holiday, and instead asking us to trade another holiday for Juneteenth sends a message that we are less valued than the rest of their workforce. It is not in line with their rhetoric on equity and inclusion.

We want to hear from you. What do you think of their offer? Vote now. (This vote is open to all nurses, not just WSNA members).

In unity,

Edna Cortez, Chair

Kara Yates, Membership Officer