Our fifth session with management was more collaborative than the fourth. We exchanged proposals and reached a few minor tentative agreements. Most of the day was spent discussing staffing and workplace violence, but we still have not come to agreement on either of these important issues. We believe nurses should be staffed in a manner that ensures nurse and patient safety as well as nurses getting their rest and meal breaks. In addition, we believe nurses should be and feel safe in their workplace, and that nurses should have a voice regarding their workplace safety that is more than just advisory.

We still did not receive any economic proposals from management. However, at the end of the day management assured us they will bring their economic proposal to our next session.

We have scheduled three more days in June to negotiate. We are hopeful to achieve a tentative agreement during one of those sessions. The dates are as follows:

• June 10
• June 20
• June 27

Stay tuned, there could be a call to action after any or all of the upcoming sessions.

Together we are strong, together we win!

In Solidarity,

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

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