On May 15, your WSNA Bargaining Team met with Management anticipating a response to our economic proposals, including a market standard wage scale with 31 steps. The County failed to come to the table with a response. It has been months since we made our proposal for a 31-step wage scale with annual increases, as is standard in the industry and market. Despite being on session #5 and having had over a year to prepare to negotiate over expanded longevity, the County continues to assert the need for more time and information to analyze our proposal. At our last session, Management said they hoped to provide us with a response in ‘mid-May.’ Again, the response we received was that they did NOT have a response. It’s past time for the County to respond to this top priority issue.

We attended the King County Board of Health meeting virtually during our caucus to deliver an address to the Board, informing them of our fight for a fair contract and engage them for support. 

The County claims they are having challenges ‘costing’ our economic proposal because they don’t know how many years of experience each nurse has. This response is concerning considering they have this information on file in employee applications.

Here is where you can help!

Take the survey below and let us know how many years of nursing experience you have. This is an easy way to help your team push for industry standard longevity steps.

Take the survey now

Another way you can help is by submitting a statement of support for one of our top negotiation priorities. This information can be provided via email to your Bargaining Team or Nurse Rep. Pick one and share your thoughts so we can bring more voices to the table. While statements will be shared, names will not. Here are the issues we are focusing on:

1. Industry and market standard wage scale up to 31 steps
2. Workplace violence and workplace safety
3. Continuation of reduced parking rates for KCCF nurses at Goat Hill.

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 May 21
• 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

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 Representative Linda Burbank lburbank@wsna.org