Yesterday, Feb. 24, we met with the County for our 14^th bargaining session after being away from the table for 4 months. This was our first session with Labor Relations Mediator, Erin Slone-Gomez, from the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC).

The majority of the day was spent in separate rooms, with the Mediator sharing proposals between your WSNA team and the County. It was encouraging to see the work the County had done to resume negotiations. They started the day by presenting a 21-step wage scale. The negotiators for the County provided an overview of the scale and engaged in a Q&A session with our team. The proposal will require an in-depth analysis to fully determine our response and next steps. Some highlights from the County’s proposed wage scale include:

• Transitioning from the current Longevity Premiums to a 21-step wage scale
• Distributing Longevity Premiums across the new scale
• Adding an additional 1% to nurses who are at step 21 or above
• Starting the new scale in 2028

The County maintained proposals of 3.75% for 2026, 3.75% for 2027 and an estimated 3.5% for 2028. According to the negotiator, their proposal puts $420K more on the table. Our WSNA Analyst is reviewing all of the data/calculations closely.

We reached some TAs

In an effort to move the ball forward we had lengthy discussions to determine if there were opportunities to reach tentative agreements. Fortunately, this proved fruitful. We reached the TAs listed below:

• Stronger Nondiscrimination language
• Reduced Parking at Goat Hill

Thank you to our special guest for the support and treats to sustain the team through the long day, Edna Cortez, Chairperson Labor Executive Council for WSNA! 😊

CHSS Arbitration Update

A few updates about the CHSS Arbitration Decision

• The County was NOT successful in getting the arbitration decision vacated
• The County has NOT appealed the Court’s most recent decision upholding the arbitration decision
• The County will move forward with transitioning the CHSS staff from the PHSS positions and restoring that work back to PHSS nurses within 90 days

Next Steps:

1. Save the date for our public action on March 23 Marching for Respect!
2. We are working to arrange a meeting with the new King County Executive Girmay Zahilay to discuss your priorities.
3. Let your Bargaining Team know if you wish to be an Observer during negotiations. Next bargaining dates are March 5 and March 10.
4. Join the monthly virtual Lunch & Learn – Next meeting March 4 at 12:05 pm – 12:55 pm
5. Provide Input/Feedback to your Bargaining Team
6. Make sure you check out your WSNA webpage: https://www.wsna.org/union/seattle-king-county-health-dept-supervisors

YOU ARE WSNA!

Your Bargaining Team,
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