On April 13, 2023, we met with the County for our 14^th session. Collective bargaining often is a slow moving process, but sometimes things move quickly. Last night we made significant progress on several important issues, including bringing RN (both jail and non-jail) rates up to match PHN rates, preserving our comp time, and ensuring Prevention nurses can use flex time after taking calls at night. We are getting closer to a full tentative agreement. Last night we worked into the evening, but still remain apart on a couple of issues, including:

• Ability for field nurses to work at home, to reduce our carbon footprint.
• Wage increases, and
• KCCF parking.

We made progress on a number of issues of great importance, and are aligned with the County on :

• Immediate implementation to bring jail and non-jail RN wages up to the PHN wage rate
• No takeaways to comp time.
• A one year-pilot project for Jail Relief Nurse positions.
• Ensuring the ability of Prevention nurses to use flex time for callbacks.
• Shared Staffing for CHS

The team shared several compelling and moving stories at the table, particularly around safety and parking for JHS at KCCF.

It was noteworthy that Dr. Khan sent a bulletin to all public health staff on the importance of workforce engagement and stability. We think he heard us!

We go back to the table on April 20, 2023, to work on the last remaining issues.

Stay tuned for details to participate in unified action and keep submitting your stories in support of bargaining a fair contract!

In solidarity,

Tami Nesler MRJC
Carolyn Clark KCCF
Tyler Breier CCHP Chinook
Elena Schensted First Steps/CSO Columbia
Kaila Tang NFP Columbia

For questions, contact a team member or Nurse Representative Tara Barnes tbarnes@wsna.org