On May 14, we met with the Hospital for our eighth bargaining session. We provided the employer with a comprehensive counterproposal prior to our negotiation session. Our goal was to be efficient, maximize the time we had, and hopefully reach a TA. Although we did not get a TA yesterday, the employer moved our way on one of our TOP priorities – recognition of years of experience.

Years of Experience Recognized! 

Prior to joining the Union, the WSNA Case Managers did not have formal recognition of years of experience. Instead, management recognized past experience in an informal, inconsistent and incomplete manner. This was problematic in many ways.

• It resulted in many of us not getting full recognition for our dedicated years of nursing experience.
• For many there was significant financial loss.
• It was inequitable, as compared to the Children’s WSNA Bargaining Unit Nurses.

After numerous bargaining sessions explaining why we could not see us getting an agreement without our years of experience being recognized, the employer finally came our way. This translates into significant financial gain for many of the WSNA Case Managers.

Floating (Voluntary not Required)

We continue to NOT be aligned with the employer on floating. The bargaining team explained our concerns and provided detailed rationale as to why floating should only be voluntary. We passed a proposal that allowed for voluntary floating and for new employees to float (since they would have notice that it was a requirement of the position). The employer maintained their position that floating would only be used occasionally and that they did not intend to use floats to cover upcoming maternity leaves. Management communicated a plan to use Travelers to cover maternity leaves and fill the gaps.

Schedules and FTEs

After talking with each one of you, we passed a proposal that reflected some acceptable changes for WSNA Case Managers. We discussed some options that may meet the employer’s expressed needs and our team’s preferences. This issue will be revisited at our next bargaining session.

Seniority and Economics

The employer agreed to our seniority proposal giving credit to each of us for the seniority we proposed. This was a WIN! As far as economics is concerned, we spent our time working through applying years of experience and step progression on the wage scale. We continue to fight for full retro payment for our team.

They did not agree to our proposal on Personal and Holiday hours. We made it clear that it was problematic that the employer is proposing that we lose these accrued hours, while simultaneously disapproving the use of Personal hours when they should be available for use. Otherwise stated, they do not want the WSNA Case Managers to retain their Personal hours, but they are not allowing them to be used when requested.

We will be back at the table on May 28. The employer conveyed their interest in getting it wrapped up on that date if possible. We would like to reach a STRONG & FAIR TA expeditiously as well. THANK YOU ALL for continuing to show up!

We are WSNA – Stay Engaged

• Stay informed - Read all WSNA communications and status updates
• Engage and Participate – Watch for important updates on how to support your Bargaining Team at the table
• Join the virtual Sip & Chat every Monday following bargaining – next Sip & Chat is on May 18 from 5– 7 pm (let’s discuss what happened in bargaining and next steps 🙂)
  
  Microsoft Teams meeting
  Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/264856485525092?p=fcAhjDAPD6qPyxW9ky
  Meeting ID: 264 856 485 525 092
  Passcode: eW9Ax7eJ
  Dial in by phone
  +1 206-485-2614,,480415301#  United States, Seattle
  (888) 313-0615,,480415301#  United States (Toll-free)
  Phone conference ID: 480 415 301#
  
• Provide input/feedback to your bargaining team
• Make sure you check out our WSNA webpage: https://www.wsna.org/union/seattle-childrens-hospital

Upcoming Bargaining Date 

• May 28 from 9 am – 5pm

Thank all of you for your timely input and your commitment to these contract negotiations. Thank you to Tami Hance (CM RN) for joining as an Observer and providing valuable input as always!💙

In solidarity,

Your Bargaining Team
Alefiya Deards, UM RN 
Serena Stamper, TLC RN Care Manager
Ginger Nelson, RN CM

Questions? Contact your Bargaining Team or WSNA Nurse Rep Linda Burbank at lburbank@wsna.org.