Congratulations to all WSNA nurses! We are now able to observe Juneteenth along with the rest of our coworkers. While we vehemently dispute the Hospital’s representations about WSNA’s advocacy, engagement, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion issues at Children’s Hospital, we choose instead to CELEBRATE this victory and the power we have as nurses coming together to advocate for what is right and to stand up for what is fair. While we are glad that Children’s is finally recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday, we are disappointed in the Employer’s disingenuous rhetoric about the Union merely because WSNA didn’t agree to time away plans during the last negotiations.

We met with management today, and the Hospital committed that benefits-eligible RNs will receive 8 hours (prorated for FTE) of annual leave for Juneteenth, and nurses working June 18, 2021 shall be paid at the rate of one and one half their regular rate of pay for all hours worked. The language in articles 10.4 and 10.5 of our collective bargaining agreement also apply to this holiday.

Again, we are happy that WSNA RNs can participate in the recognition of Juneteenth. As we approach negotiations next year, we look forward to productive bargaining without the misleading ad hominem attacks that were unfortunately present here.

Your WSNA Officers: Edna Cortez, Lindsey Kirsch, Diane Gates, Samantha Forte, Maria Sixto, Doris Taylor and Kara Yates