Your WSNA negotiation team did not receive a counterproposal from the County related to the longevity wage scale prior to our scheduled March17 mediation date. This resulted in our inability to bargain with County as planned. We are scheduled for mediation on March 30. The County committed to providing a response to our proposals prior to that time.

Advocating for a Strong, Fair Contract – A Meeting with the County Executive’s Office

On March 20, WSNA Leaders/Staff and Public Health Nurse Leaders (Zerai Asgedom and Elena Schensted) met with Megan Pedersen, Chief People Officer (CPO), to ensure that new leadership was fully briefed on our steadfast efforts to secure a strong and fair contract. We updated the new CPO on the state of negotiations and discussed how the Executive’s office can actively support progress toward achieving a strong and fair contract.

We made it clear that WSNA remains unwavering in our commitment to advocating for the resources, staffing, and respect that our nurses need to provide safe patient care. We emphasized that the path forward requires a true commitment from the Executive’s office to address the priorities we identified. Following the meeting with the CPO, the County committed to having the Director of Labor Relations at the bargaining table for our next session. We will continue to push forward.

Note: The Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge is still active and in progress.

Rampant Unilateral Changes to Working Conditions 

WSNA has been made aware that the County has made, and continues to make, unilateral changes to the nurses’ working conditions. We have demanded that the County Cease & Desist making these changes and bargain with the Union. We have also submitted several Requests for Information (RFIs) related to these changes. Our legal team is coordinating bargaining dates so that we can get to the table as soon as possible. More to come…

We are gathering information about the County’s actions and announced changes regarding the CHSS positions.

The County fails to prioritize the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Role

The County recently announced the decision to allow the CNO position to sunset. This decision raises great concern about the County’s commitment to:

• High Quality Nursing Practice
• Regulatory Compliance
• Client and Nurse Safety
• Respect for Public Health Nurses
• Multi-disciplinary Collaboration

WSNA has submitted an RFI to the County and is strategizing next steps. More to come…

Upcoming Mediation Sessions 

• March 30 – This session will include the WSNA teams and the PERC Mediator

Please wear your WSNA Blue in solidarity. 

Scholarships to attend the 2026 Union Leadership Conference

You still have time. WSNA’s Labor Executive Council (LEC) has authorized scholarships for bargaining units of 150 members or less. Scholarships are available for two nurses to attend the upcoming Leadership Conference and will cover the full cost of registration and lodging. 

First come, first serve. Email Nurse Rep Linda Burbank at Lburbank@wsna.org if you are interested.

Located at the Wenatchee Convention Center, steps from the Columbia River.

Now more than ever, unions need strong leaders like you.

This conference is your chance to hear the latest about the labor movement, build power together and recharge for the challenges ahead. Level up your Leadership skills by hearing from state and national labor leaders and celebrating union nurses who have taken the lead over the past two years.

Call to Action

• Stay informed - Read all WSNA communications and status updates https://www.wsna.org/union/seattle-king-county-health-dept-supervisors
• Engage and participate – Watch for important updates on how to support your Bargaining Team and fight for a fair contract
• Join the monthly virtual Lunch & Learn – Next meeting April 1 at 12:05 pm – 12:55 pm
• Provide input/feedback to your Bargaining Team
• Follow on social media platforms

If you have any questions or concerns, contact your Local Unit Officers or WSNA Nurse Rep Linda Burbank at lburbank@wsna.org.