On March 5, we met with the County for our 2^nd mediated session (our 15^th bargaining session). Overall, the day was productive and resulted in two tentative agreements. We engaged in meaningful work on the wage scale. Your team submitted economic proposals to the County that were geared towards:

• maximizing financial gains
• achieving our goal of transitioning to a wage scale that recognizes experience
• making financial improvements to the wage scale proposed by the County
• addressing deficiencies in the County’s proposed wage scale
• improving language related to the Bilingual Premium and additional steps for any nurse attaining a Master's and/or Doctoral Degree in Nursing while employed at King County

Tentative Agreements (TAs) reached

• Bilingual Pay Position Designation (highlights)
  The existing assignments will be reviewed annually to determine whether one (1) or more specific non-English language or American Sign Language (ASL) is desired or required for all positions.
  
  Bilingual Skills Desired Pay Premium. Eligible employees whose job duties include the “desired” use of one (1) or more specific non-English language or ASL will receive a $1.00 per hour premium on actual hours worked. 
  
  Bilingual Skills Required Pay Premium. Eligible employees whose job duties include the “required” use of one (1) or more specific non-English language or ASL will receive a $2.00 per hour premium on actual hours worked.
• Master’s/Doctoral Step recognition
  Any nurse attaining a Master's and/or Doctoral Degree in Nursing while employed at King County shall receive an increase of one (1) step per degree up to a maximum of two steps total, provided the nurse is not already at the top step of the wage scale. The increase will be effective the first full pay period after the date a copy of documentation of the degree is received by the County.

Action plan pivot due to progress

In the last two mediated bargaining sessions we have observed improved engagement from the County. We’ve reached five TAs between the two bargaining units (Supervisors/Staff) on:

• Stronger Nondiscrimination language (Supervisors/Staff)
• Reduced Parking at Goat Hill (Supervisors/Staff)
• Master’s/Doctoral Step recognition (Supervisors/Staff)
• Bilingual Pay Position Designation (Supervisors/Staff)
• Non-retaliation for raising staffing concerns (Staff)

We will watch to see what the County does at our next bargaining sessions and plan focused actions based on your valuable feedback.

YOU ARE WSNA!

Next Steps:

1. Let your Bargaining Team know if you wish to be an Observer during negotiations. Next bargaining dates are March 17 and March 30.
2. Join the monthly virtual Lunch & Learn – Next meeting April 1 at 12:05 pm – 12:55 pm 
3. Provide Input/Feedback to your Bargaining Team
4. Make sure you check out your WSNA webpage: https://www.wsna.org/union/seattle-king-county-health-dept-supervisors

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 or WSNA Nurse Rep Linda Burbank lburbank@wsna.org