Chair
Elena Schensted
Columbia PH Center
Social media
Contract
Latest update
Contract negotiations with mediator commences!
Posted Feb 25, 2026
On February 24, after 4 long months apart, we met for our 17th session. In this session, we were joined by a mediator from the public employees relations commission (PERC).
Thank you to our special guest for the support and treats to sustain the team through the long day, Edna Padilla Cortez, Chairperson Labor Executive Council for WSNA 😊
While we were in separate rooms, the mediator shared proposals between your WSNA team and the County. The County negotiators did meet with us briefly to answer some questions regarding a proposal for a 21-step scale. Team members had many questions. The proposal will require an in-depth analysis to fully determine our next steps in response. Overall, it was encouraging to see the work the County had done to resume negotiations.
We also made proposals in efforts to address outstanding issues with Bilingual premium, Non-discrimination language, and the process tools for staffing complaints. Good news regarding staffing complaints, we did come to a tentative agreement regarding a non-retaliation for nurses raising staffing/safety concerns !
What is next? Our asks of YOU!
- Save the date for our public action on March 23 Marching for Respect!
- We are still working to gain a meeting with the new County Executive Zahilay to drive home our message. Stay tuned!
- Read all communications from WSNA to be up to date with the continued, strenuous efforts of your team.
- Follow us on Instagram, like and share our posts and reels on your personal pages to amplify the voice of the Public Health nurses often hidden service to King County residents AND our fight for a strong, fair contract.
- We are back at the table on March 5 and 10!
- Contact a team member with questions, information can be found on your local unit web page https://www.wsna.org/union/seattle-king-county-health-dept-staff
In solidarity,
Your bargaining team,
Elena Schensted, Columbia City Clinic
Stephen Lee, Jail Health MRJC
Tami Nesler, Jail Health MRJC
Evie Devera, Downtown Clinic
Kiesha Garcia-Stubbs, Downtown Clinic
Carolyn Clark, Jail Health KCCF
Tara Barnes Nurse Representative tbarnes@wsna.org
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/phskc_staffnurses/
Previous updates
Sip n’ Chat Monday and bargaining mediation Tuesday!
Feb 20, 2026
Gathering together in peace and love on Sunday!
Feb 13, 2026
Hey King County, be our Valentine!
Feb 10, 2026
Mediation Dates Cancelled
Jan 30, 2026
Hey King County, we are ready for mediation on Friday. Are you?
Jan 27, 2026
A huge win for WSNA nurses and nursing practice at Seattle King County!
Jan 23, 2026
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Resources and tools
Document unsafe conditions
If you find yourself in a situation that you believe creates unsafe conditions for patients or for you, you should complete a Staffing Complaint / ADO Form as soon as possible.
By completing the form, you will help make the problem known to management, creating an opportunity for the problem to be addressed. Additionally, you will be documenting the facts, which may be helpful to you later if there is a negative outcome.
WSNA also uses your ADO forms to track the problems occurring in your facility. When you and your coworkers take the important step of filling out an ADO form, you are helping to identify whether there is a pattern of unsafe conditions for you or your patients at your facilities. This information is used by your conference committee, staffing committee, and WSNA labor staff to improve your working conditions.
Representation rights
As a union member, you have the right to have a representative present in any meetings with management that could potentially lead to disciplinary action against you.
If called into a meeting with management, read the following to management when the meeting begins:
If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, I respectfully request that my union representative be present at this meeting. Without representation present, I choose not to participate in this discussion.
Find out more about this crucial right and how to exercise it to ensure your fair treatment and protection.
Continuing education offerings
Enhance your professional competency with WSNA's free online courses.
Earn CNE contact hours through topics like Cultural Humility, Telehealth Assessment, Workplace Violence Prevention, and more. Convenient and self-paced, our courses provide practical knowledge for your daily work. Expand your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest nursing practices.