As of Feb. 2, 2021, day #4 of negotiations is complete. Your negotiation team, Kat Clancy BSN, RN & Karen Winchell BSN, RN are working hard discussing meaningful issues at the negotiation table, taking into consideration the needs of all the nurses in the WSNA bargaining unit. Issues currently being discussed include but are not limited to:

• Affordable Healthcare: There have been difficulties with recruitment and retention of nurses with dependents because the costs of adding health, vision, and dental benefits is substantial. Your bargaining team is working to ensure that nurses with dependents have access to affordable plans by requiring the District to pay a greater share of their premiums than it does now. We have also proposed that the District does not reduce the amount that it pays towards premiums for those without dependents.
• Wages – Currently, we are proposing fair wages in addition to other increases in longevity pay, and premium pay. In response to this, Management is stressing they are in financially pressing times and we remain in disagreement on economics and will continue to press for fair wages.
• RN and PHN classification – the team has been working hard to advocate to bring RNs with BSN degrees into a PHN role. We are also proposing more equitable step placement.

Future dates to bargain have been set for Feb. 17 and Mar. 1, as both parties remain motivated to come to the table. There will be a Unity Meeting on Friday, Feb. 12 at noon. Check your email for the link to join in!

Support your negotiation team by becoming a WSNA member. Only members can vote on the contract. Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Bret Percival at bpercival@wsna.org.