We are happy to report we have made some progress during this session. We exchanged proposals on some critical items including the issue of annual leave accrual. We reached some tentative agreements on some premium pay, use of supplemental leave, low census and job posting. We are still apart on critical issues like wages and staffing.

We were able to present the petition with its overwhelming and powerful messages from all of you. We clearly communicated to management the critical need for adequate staffing. The petition will remain open until July 9. You still have an opportunity to add your voice to the hundreds of your co-workers and advocate for the extra shift incentive to help through this staffing crisis.

What's next?

BIG things are happening! Now is not the time to become complacent or passive. We have succeeded in gaining management's attention and now we need to push forward to make sure our voices are heard.

We have CAR SIGNS!

How impactful would it be for management to drive up and see car signs in every window in the parking lot in support of the nurses? We will be having car sign handout events around the hospital and at the various clinics over the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned for dates and times! First handout will be this Friday, June 25 at 0630-0800 at the main hospital entrance sidewalk.

Get the community involved! We have a hashtag campaign going as well. Many of you have community contacts who would post a car sign in their business window. Please take a photo and post on your social media account using the hashtag #SupportSkagitRNs so we can search for those photos and also share. It’s a great way to get our message out and support local businesses.

Use the Skagit Facebook frame! This is an easy way to call attention to the issues we are facing and have some conversation about why its important to recruit and retain skilled nurses and why staffing is so critical to the care of our community members. Download the Facebook Frame using the link below.

Our next negotiations session is July 16. Please stay tuned for additional updates and information. We are stronger together!

Liz Rainaud – Chair
Cheryl Pedersen – Grievance officer
Jessica Googe – Secretary
Rachel Yates – Membership
Hannah Guy – Treasurer
DeeAnn Wolf – Team member
Lacey Bernick – Team member
Annie Mansfield – WSNA Organizer AMansfield@wsna.org
and Sue Dunlap Nurse Representative sdunlap@wsna.org