Co-Chair
Hardish Khinda, RN
Officers
Grievance Officer
Jihan Herring
Co-Chair
Vacant
Secretary
Rena "Alex" Landin
Treasurer
Vacant
WSNA staff contact
WSNA staff contact
Allesondra Machorro, RN, BSN, CCRN
Nurse Representative
Contract
Latest update
WSNA/ WDVA Coalition Bargaining Update 3
Posted Jul 16, 2024
Your WSNA Nurse Representatives met with OFM on July 9 and July 11, 2024, for bargaining sessions for the 2025-2027 contract. The session that was scheduled for June 20 was cancelled as we awaited the budget forecast.
OFM engaged with WSNA on our proposal that adds 1 holiday requirement for on call nurses and adds a 15% premium for on call nurses when they work weekends and holidays. Their proposal suggests that on-call nurses should be available to work a minimum of 3 shifts per week, on 2 different shifts. On call nurses may be scheduled for all shifts, weekends, and holidays and they shall be available for two weekend shifts per month. If an on-call nurses declines or misses 5 shifts in a quarter, their employment may be terminated. WSNA sent a resounding NO to this proposal. By contract definition, “the work is intermittent in nature, is sporadic and it does not fit a particular pattern”. We know on-call nurses often have other full-time jobs and we don’t feel they should be required to be available for the hours of a part-time nurse. We do feel nurses may be encouraged to work more or pick up shifts for extra incentive.
OFM offered a financial presentation that describes the state budget forecast as more people using state services increasing those caseloads, resulting in potentially less funding available. WSNA continues to advocate for the following monetary gains for nurses.
- Increased night shift differential for work between 10p-6a
- Reimbursement for annual registered nurse license fees
- Compensation for applicable certifications
- $1.00/hour for specific nurse classifications to answer the call-in phone
- Maintenance of the 5% 24/7 facility premium
- Elimination of wage scale steps that don’t have raises at steps
Our next session is July 23, 2024, and nurses can attend these for observation if they desire. Reach out to your officers or nurse rep if you’d like the link.
Did you know that your most recent 3% raise went into effect July 1, 2024, and should be reflected on your July 25 paycheck? WSNA encourages all nurses to review their paychecks on a regular basis.
In Solidarity,
Laurie Robinson- Walla Walla Veterans Home- lrobinson@wsna.org
Alle Machorro- Spokane Veterans Home- amachorro@wsna.org
Janet Stewart- Washington Soldier’s Home and Washington Veterans Home-JStewart@wsna.org
Previous updates
WSNA/ WDVA Coalition Bargaining Update Day 2
Jun 18, 2024
WSNA/ WDVA Coalition Bargaining Update Day 1
Jun 10, 2024
Happy Nurses Month Spokane Veterans Home Nurses!
May 24, 2024
Department of Veteran Affairs negotiations survey – Extended to March 18
Mar 07, 2024
Labor Management Update
Feb 20, 2024
Winter Newsletter 2024
Jan 31, 2024
WSNA union news
Resources and tools
Document unsafe conditions
If you find yourself in a situation that you believe creates unsafe conditions for patients or for you, you should complete a Staffing Complaint / ADO Form as soon as possible.
By completing the form, you will help make the problem known to management, creating an opportunity for the problem to be addressed. Additionally, you will be documenting the facts, which may be helpful to you later if there is a negative outcome.
WSNA also uses your ADO forms to track the problems occurring in your facility. When you and your coworkers take the important step of filling out an ADO form, you are helping to identify whether there is a pattern of unsafe conditions for you or your patients at your facilities. This information is used by your conference committee, staffing committee, and WSNA labor staff to improve your working conditions.
Representation rights
As a union member, you have the right to have a representative present in any meetings with management that could potentially lead to disciplinary action against you.
If called into a meeting with management, read the following to management when the meeting begins:
If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, I respectfully request that my union representative be present at this meeting. Without representation present, I choose not to participate in this discussion.
Find out more about this crucial right and how to exercise it to ensure your fair treatment and protection.
Continuing education offerings
Enhance your professional competency with WSNA's free online courses.
Earn CNE contact hours through topics like Cultural Humility, Telehealth Assessment, Workplace Violence Prevention, and more. Convenient and self-paced, our courses provide practical knowledge for your daily work. Expand your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest nursing practices.