Today, the Labor Executive Council (LEC) passed a motion that outlines a clear and structured pathway toward potential next steps in our efforts to secure a strong and fair contract. The motion authorizes the WSNA bargaining team and WSNA staff team to consider approving an open-ended strike—but only under specific, member-driven conditions.

Motion presented to LEC

"We request the LEC to consider authorizing the Seattle Children's Local Unit to take the bargaining unit nurses out on an open-ended strike, if the WSNA bargaining team and WSNA staff team (1) decide that no further progress can be made at the bargaining table without taking such action, (2) have given members the opportunity to vote up-or-down the hospital’s last, best, offer, and (3) choose the date and time the strike will commence.”

What the motion entails:

1. No Further Progress at the Table – The WSNA bargaining team and staff must first determine that no meaningful progress can be made in negotiations without taking this step.

2. Member Vote on the Hospital’s Last Offer – Before any action is taken, you, the members, will have the opportunity to vote up or down on the hospital’s last, best offer that is on the table at the time the team sends it to you for a vote. This is a crucial democratic step. It ensures that nurses will have an opportunity to vote on the best offer the team can obtain and that an open-ended strike has a clear mandate from members. This process ensures members know exactly what they are striking for.

3. Strike Timing Chosen by WSNA Teams – If a strike is called, the date and time will be carefully chosen by your WSNA bargaining and staff teams in alignment with member readiness and strategic goals. This allows us to choose the most strategically impactful moment.

This motion does not mean a strike is imminent. It empowers your bargaining team with the necessary tools to apply pressure at the table, while ensuring full transparency and member input.

We are back at the table for a confidential mediation session on January 22.

Local Unit Meetings

Hundreds of you showed up to the local unit meetings this week. Thank you for your presence and participation. It is essential to this process. 💙

Workgroups

Workgroups have commenced weekly meetings and will report out progress on our upcoming Tuesday update meeting.

If you would like to join a workgroup or have questions, please email SCHstrike@wsna.org.

Strike Line Logistics Workgroup 

• Helps determine sites for picketing and picket shift/schedule
• Organizes picket schedules to ensure sufficient picketers for each designated picket time
• Ensures that picketers are informed and compliant with ground rules and appropriate picket line behavior
• Oversees actual picketing activities such as picket signs and chants
• Tracks and records picket line participation
• Provides food, beverages, and other essentials during picket

Fundraising and Finance Workgroup

• Develop a budget to strike/picket
• Manage and track expenses
• Provide personal finance tips and preparedness info to nurses
• Provide loan info to nurses
• Identifies employment opportunities and compile list
• Provide list of employment opportunities to striking nurses

Strike Headquarters Workgroup

• Provides input on HQ location
• Ensure adequate staffing and supplies at HQ
• Provide needed equipment, supplies, and materials to support a picket
• Serve as focal point for strike info for nurses and public
• Works with Logistics team to transport materials and nurses to and from strike line

Community Outreach, Engagement, and Communication Workgroup 

• Monitors and tracks member questions, concerns, and rumors
• Responds to questions concerns and rumors with agreed-upon messaging
• Serve as media spokespersons as assigned in addition to bargaining team members
• Coordinate outreach to other unions, faith leaders, physicians, businesses, and community for support of a strike

Further updates will be provided as bargaining continues. In the meantime, please stay connected and reach out with any questions.

Remember to wear your WSNA T-shirts to display our solidarity. Feel free to send us pictures to post. WE 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