Day 3 of bargaining focused on several important issues including preceptor pay, bilingual pay, workplace violence, and—yes—wages. Management also introduced a new furlough proposal that, if agreed to, would allow them to furlough RNs. Additionally, the Health District’s drug and alcohol policy was discussed in depth as both sides exchanged concerns and sought clarity.

We did achieve one tentative agreement on parking reimbursement, progress worth acknowledging, but there is still a long road ahead.

Below are key updates including some takeaways from Day 3:

• Safety in the field: WSNA reiterated that the current Birdy system is not adequate to keep nurses safe. Specific examples were shared with management to illustrate how the system fails in practice.
• Non-discrimination language: Both parties collaborated to update and modernize the protected class categories.
• Preceptor standards: Discussion continued around how long a newly hired RN should receive preceptor support and how to address additional education needs after orientation ends.
• Furloughs: Management proposed new emergency furlough language to address budget shortfalls and procedures during a temporary government shutdown.
• Bilingual pay: Management is proposing that nurses must become certified to receive bilingual pay. The current contract does not require certification, and WSNA expressed concern that this creates an unnecessary barrier for nurses already providing this essential service.
• Work hours: Management is proposing to move all WSNA nurses to a 37.5-hour work week.

Management also passed a package proposal that included improvements to retirement benefits, which is positive, but the wage proposal was far below what nurses deserve. While management expressed appreciation for RNs, they stated they are not able to provide significant wage increases this cycle. Their current wage proposal includes:

• 2026: 2% COLA
• 2027, and 2028: Both years CPI-U with a 1% minimum and 2% maximum (“guardrails”)

Our next bargaining session is December 16. If you have a WSNA T-shirt, wear it proudly to show management that we are ONE. Text or email a selfie to Nurse Rep Jaclyn Smedley, BSN, RN to show your negotiating team you’re standing strong with them.

Keep the PTO Donations Coming!

Thank you to everyone who has already donated hours to the PTO Negotiation Bank. Your contributions make it possible for nurses to stay at the table and fight for this contract. More work is coming—and more donations are needed.

Other Ways to Support Your Team

Join WSNA today!
Management pays attention to membership numbers. The strongest message you can send is to stand together in unity as dues-paying members. Now is the time, let’s show them we are ONE.

Not a member yet? No sweat! Click here to join today.

Your WSNA negotiating team members are:

Kimberly Parkey
Kaylee Nunley
Michelle Huskinson

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Jaclyn Smedley at jsmedley@wsna.org.