Our WSNA negotiating team went to the table excited about the new workplace violence legislation our state recently passed. We spent the morning explaining the intent of our proposal, which is to embrace the law and create a Workplace Violence Committee composed of management, nurses, security, affected staff and WSNA to assess and address prevention, education, training and post-workplace violence victims at St Claire. Every member on our team shared stories about what they have experienced, giving credit for improvements that have been made since our last contract negotiations and noting areas that still need work. Management listened, asked questions and seemed to understand our concerns and that we hope to work together towards improved safety.

Unfortunately, the counter-proposal management came back with was underwhelming.

Their proposal added one RN to the current safety committee, said they were committed to a non-violent workplace, they would post signage, and the Safety Committee may provide input to management regarding implementation and impact of a plan.

We also urged management to provide their economics proposal, which they have not provided yet and continue to refuse to provide.

At the end of the day, we were disappointed with so little movement. Stay tuned there may be actions ahead!

Don’t forget about our drop-in breakfast Tuesday, May 14, 2019 from 6 - 9 a.m. in conference room A&B. Meet your negotiating team and learn more about what is happening, or perhaps we should say not happening, at the table, and what you can do to help!

In Solidarity,
Your Negotiating Team:
Kimberly Russell, Tony Endrizzi, Clairissa Korrell, Jocelyn Rogers, Patrick Williams, Tessa Zuidhoff

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Rep Barbara Friesen at bfriesen@wsan.org or 206-575-7979, ext. 3056.