On May 29, your WSNA bargaining team met with management for session #7. We previously communicated to the bargaining unit that the County conveyed that they are still analyzing our proposal on longevity steps, despite our preparation and early wage proposal in February. Their response at the last session was no different. It’s no secret that the preliminary budgets are in the approval pipeline RIGHT NOW. We return to the table on June 6 for session #8 and are looking forward to a response from the County.

We remain FOCUSED on our bargaining priorities

At our 7^th session, we revisited disappointment and frustration with the lack of progress…and we communicated that message clearly to the County. Although we did reach a few TAs, there was minimal forward movement on some of our top priorities. A strong and fair contract recognizes the value we bring to the clients we serve on behalf of the County. Our priorities outlined below will help retain and recruit quality nurses.

1. Industry and market standard wage scale that recognizes every year of experience, expanding up to 31 years.
2. Maintenance of reduced parking rates for KCCF at Goat Hill.
3. Reasonable telecommuting language that reduces our carbon footprint, decreases wasted commute time and expense to the County while still meeting the needs of clients.

We have continued to exchange and discuss proposals with the County, some of which they have shockingly rejected, such as:

1. Improved bilingual premium that is truly accessible and equitable to eligible nurses.
2. The ability to grieve issues of discrimination, as afforded by other County contracts.

Take the survey (Years of Nursing Experience) and submit a story

A quick and easy ‘ask’! Take the survey below and let us know how many years of nursing experience you have.

ALSO, continue to submit stories in support of our priority proposals.

Other ways you can help support your team 

• Stay informed - Read all WSNA communications and status updates from the employer
• Engage and participate – Watch for important updates on how to support your bargaining team and fight for a fair contract
• Let your bargaining team know if you wish to be an observer during negotiations. Next bargaining date is June 6
• Join the monthly virtual Lunch & Learn – Next meeting June 4 at 12:05 pm – 12:55 pm
• Provide input/feedback to your bargaining team
• Follow on social media platforms
• Make sure you check out your WSNA webpage: https://www.wsna.org/union/seattle-king-county-health-dept-supervisors

CHSS Arbitration Update

On May 30, the CHSS arbitration hearing was held. It lasted all day and was filled with dynamic testimony from Julie Stachowiak (PHSS), Erika Fardig (PHN), and your prior WSNA Nurse Rep Bret Percival. They detailed:

• the rationale behind WSNA filing this grievance
• the long history of WSNA representing nurses and being a nurses’ Union
• the bargaining unit composition (100% nurses) and related contract language referencing nurses
• the protective nursing lens that nurses bring to the PHSS role
• substantial risk to clients when the nursing lens and related clinical skills are eliminated
• fundamental safeguards inherent in Public Health nursing practice

We anticipate a decision from the arbitrator mid-August. Stay tuned for additional updates.

Thank you ALL for your patience, advocacy and thoughtful contributions!

Your Bargaining Team,

Nicole Klein, Local Unit Chair
Christopher Salatka, Local Unit Vice-Chair
Annie Roberts, Local Unit Secretary/Treasurer
Zerai Asgedom, Local Unit Grievance Officer

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