Next week, SEIU and UAPD are taking a courageous step and going on strike. We plan to stand with them both inside and outside the hospital’s walls. One way we’ll show our solidarity – and remind management that we are a united front – is by joining the picket line by hosting our own planned informational picket on May 15 from 1530 to 1830. Please RSVP for the picket by clicking here.

We want every nurse to be protected and informed while our union siblings are on strike. Make sure to read the Strike FAQ to learn more about how a strike by another union may impact your work and what you need to know about our picket.

Here are the most important things you’ll need to know:

• We are not on strike. If you’re scheduled to work, you must report unless you're on PTO, LOA, or out sick.
• Missing work to join the strike line could lead to discipline—don’t put yourself at risk.
• Always assess your assignment for safety. Management may ask you to do work that falls within our scope of practice, but isn't your usual assignment. If it’s unsafe or outside your scope or training, call a safety stop and file an ADO. You will not be alone in doing so.
• File an ADO when something isn’t right. Whether it’s because staffing levels are too low, you’re being asked to take on work that should belong to your striking coworkers, or something feels unsafe, filing an ADO demonstrates how important  our colleagues in SEIU and UAPD are to patient care at St. Joe’s.
• If you’re working on May 15, join the picket line during your breaks. If you’re off, we need you on the line.

Please note: the SEIU sign making party location and time has changed! The party will be at Structure Brewing on Saturday May 10 at 1200.

Questions? Reach out to Jared Richardson at JRichardson@wsna.org.

Bargaining Update: Different Location, Same Momentum

Management moved our May 16 bargaining session to:

Four Points Sheraton – 714 Lakeway Dr, Bellingham
 Observers should arrive no later than 0915. We encourage all nurses to show up, stay engaged, and witness firsthand how we keep pushing for a contract that respects our work and protects our patients.

To RSVP or ask questions about observing, email Sam Scholl at SScholl@wsna.org.

Sip N Chat and Cafeteria Time

Have questions about anything? Join us at one of our upcoming meetings:

Sip N Chat will be held virtually on May 12 2025 from 1630-1730. You can join by clicking here.

We will also be holding cafeteria time on Wednesday May 14 from 1730-1930

Staffing Committee: Our Voice, Our Right

This week, management unilaterally canceled the Hospital Staffing Committee, citing strike preparation. That’s a violation of both our contract and state law. We’ve filed a grievance and are demanding accountability.

The staffing committee exists to protect patient safety—plain and simple. Excuses don’t justify silencing our voice. If you filed an ADO that’s been ignored for more than 90 days, you can submit a formal complaint by emailing the Department of Health at HSQAComplaintIntake@doh.wa.gov.

Education Schedule: More Violations, More Action

We’ve also seen unilateral cancellations of education classes next week. Management has been telling nurses to report to work instead. Let’s be clear: you are not required to change your schedule without your consent. You can volunteer, but no one can force you to give up education time for work.

We’ve filed a separate hospital-wide grievance and will continue holding management accountable for violating our contract. Please file an ADO and contact your WSNA nurse rep if this happens to you next week.

Nurses Don’t Back Down

We’ve always known the truth: it’s our labor that keeps this hospital running, and it’s our voice that keeps our patients safe.  When we show up together—in the bargaining room, on the picket line, and in every conversation about safe staffing—we win.

We’re in this together. We are strong. We are united. We are nurses.

News, Updates, and Everything On Our Local Unit Web: 

page: https://www.wsna.org/union/st-joseph-hospital.

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In solidarity,
 Your WSNA Bargaining Team

Laura Bayes, Robin Cully, Jenn Engelhart, Rhonda Tull, Tracy Pullar, Amber Pouley, Jen Hampton, Kristin Malmo, Errin Hull, Kelly Carroll, and Jessica Moran