New WSNA Nurse Representative
On June 7, the local unit leaders met with Hanna Welander and the new WSNA Nurse Representative, Pat McClure. We shared the response from leadership regarding the investigation of the Health Officer’s behavior. Annie Costello, Rep. from PTE Environmental Health Local 17 and Hanna are planning to meet to discuss the union response and next steps going forward. They also shared information about the upcoming Supreme Court decision in the case of Janus vs. AFSCME.
WSNA Unit Luncheon
On June 20, we had two speakers from WSNA, Judy Marken and Tara Goode, give us detailed background and possible outcomes of the Janus vs AFSCME case. Here are the highlights:
- 2014 - Illinois Gov. Browner filed a case against AFSCME, but the Attorney General said he cannot file (not a union member). So they found an anti-union social worker named Mark Janus to file the case claiming mandated union dues violates his human rights.
- “Fair share” is what you pay if you do not want to become a union member, there is no mandated membership. This fee covers support for grievance and conference committee work which benefits all employees regardless of their union membership status.
- Many mid-Western states have passed laws decreasing the power of collective bargaining for public workers.
- 23 states have “right-to-work” laws requiring unions to re-sign members every year, draining resources, affecting ~5 mil workers with an average wage cut of $1,800/year.
- American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) drafts laws which conservative legislators use to weaken labor unions.
- Evergreen Freedom Foundation obtained a list of SEICU members without permission and sent a letter to the home care workers. All dropped their union membership. It took extra work by SEICU but most returned once they had the full story.
- Now SCOTUS has overturned 40 years’ worth of precedent in the Janus v. AFSCME case by making fair share fees for public sector employees unconstitutional.
- Watch out for calls/letters from ALEC or the Freedom Foundation. Please inform WSNA if you get visits or get harassed to hear their message.
The members in attendance were asked to complete a “Maintenance of Membership and Payroll Deduction Authorization Card.” By signing this card, you add your support to WSNA and your union colleagues. If you were unable to attend, see Karen to get more information or a card to sign.
Conference Committee
The purpose of the Conference Committee is to address working conditions in an effort to avoid grievances. The meetings are conducted in a similar tone as contract negotiations, but without the lawyers. Both problems and solutions are discussed.
We need three nurses to represent us on the committee which will also be attended by SHD directors or managers. Two of the nurses can be unit leaders (Julie and Susan have volunteered) and we need one more. Could this be you? The current situation with the Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response (CDSR) nurses and leadership needs vigilance and there continue to be issues with the on-call duty of the CDSR nurses. WSNA Nurse Rep Pat McClure can provide training/resources.
Please contact Susan x8676 or Julie x8609 if you are willing to serve in this capacity or have questions.
2018 Leadership Summit in Mt. Vernon
Date: Saturday, November 3
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Skagit Casino, 5984 Darrk Ln, Bow, WA 98232
Earn 6 CEs