Contract implementation update and WSNA officer elections
Posted Sept. 30, 2026
Your WSNA contract January 1, 2026-December 31, 2029, is now online and accessible on your WSNA local unit webpage
We have become aware that your employer information system showing your pay status and other employment details may not be showing the new wage rates yet. We have contacted the County to inquire. Thank you to the nurses who brought to our attention for follow up! The contract language regarding the implementation upon effective date (September 27, 2026) provides for all terms to be implemented in the first full pay period following this date or as soon as administratively possible. Nurses can expect that there is a 3.75% wage increase for 2026. Additionally, a full retroactive payment to reflect a raise as of January 1, 2026. We will provide an update for the nurses as we monitor implementation.
The TA summary remains accessible on your local unit webpage under contract related documents for the agreement that was ratified by the WSNA voting membership on June 4, 2026. Here is the link directly to the new contract for your ongoing reference: https://cdn.wsna.org/assets/local-unit-assets/seattle-king-county-health-dept-staff/Contract-2026-2029-Staff.pdf
Local unit officer nominations
In accordance with your local unit rules, WSNA calls for nominations from all bargaining unit nurses. Further, WSNA staff is responsible for conducting an election for nurses who are WSNA members in good standing that consent to be on the ballot. Only WSNA members in good standing will receive election ballots. The nomination period closes on October 16 at midnight. Members will receive a notice when the voting window opens. Using the Election Buddy online voting system, the election will be conducted by WSNA. Every eligible voting member receives a unique voting key by email that can only be used by the voting member to cast a single ballot.
Submit your nominations for the following offices on the link below the officer’s descriptions. You may submit a nomination for more than one nurse using a new form. Nurses may self-nominate and officers may succeed themselves if nominated and duly elected by a majority of 50 percent plus one of the total members who have voted.
Local Unit Chair: Has primary responsibility for leadership of the Local Unit; Presides at all meetings of the Local Unit; Chairs quarterly conference committee meetings; Upholds the rules and policies of WSNA and the Local Unit.
Vice-Chair: In the absence of the chairperson, the vice-chair shall perform the duties of the chairperson; shall become chairperson in case of vacancy. May also be a shared, complementary role with Chair.
Secretary (may be combined with treasurer role): Takes minutes at officer and quarterly conference committee meetings; May assist in writing communications to the local unit.
Treasurer (may be combined with secretary role): Has the primary responsibility of managing the appropriate use of local unit funds for purposes which support the local unit per WSNA policy and bylaws.
Grievance officer(s) may be more than one: Are the first point of contact for nurses with questions about the contract and investigatory meetings; Works closely with the Nurse Rep to determine if a grievance exists and what next steps to take. No, you do not need to be a contract expert 😊 but you will learn a lot!
Membership committee officer(s) may be more than one: Work with WSNA staff to meet or talk with new hires 1-2 times per month to share with them why being a union member matters so much, how to join and become an informed and engaged WSNA member at Seattle King County!
Questions about this email? Contact Nurse representative Tara Barnes tbarnes@wsna.org