We have opportunities next week to connect with fellow nurses, ask questions, and stand together for safe staffing at St. Joe’s. We also have several grievance updates to share, including wins that put money back in nurses’ pockets.

Join Your Fellow St. Joe’s Nurses on October 6

Our union is strongest when we stay connected across units and shifts. On Tuesday, October 6, join us for one or both of the following events.

Cafeteria Time | 1115–1315

Stop by the cafeteria to talk with your local union leaders and Nurse Rep Jared. Bring your contract questions, share what is happening on your unit, or raise an issue you would like WSNA to address. Even a quick visit is welcome.

In-Person Union Meet Up | 1800–2000

Structures, 601 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225

Join fellow WSNA nurses for a relaxed evening of conversation and connection. Get to know nurses from other units, discuss shared concerns, and catch up with coworkers outside the hospital. Whether you are a new member or have been involved for years, we would love to see you.

Hospital Staffing Committee | October 7 at 0800

Our next Hospital Staffing Committee meeting is on Wednesday, October 7, starting at 0800. The committee will discuss and vote on the 2027 unit staffing plans, making this an important meeting for nurses across the hospital.

These plans affect our working conditions and the care we provide. Join us to show that St. Joe’s nurses stand united in demanding safe staffing on every unit.

Use the link below to attend.

HSC Meeting link

Grievance Updates

We have received employer responses to several association grievances. Some have resulted in wins for nurses, others require further clarification, and several have advanced to arbitration.

• Grievance 185: Shift differential on PTO. WSNA has advanced this grievance to arbitration.
• Grievance 270: Float pay for PACU nurses floating to SSU. The employer affirmed this grievance in WSNA’s favor. We are awaiting a list of nurses who will receive back pay.
• Grievance 281: Holiday standby pay. The employer affirmed this grievance in WSNA’s favor. Affected St. Joe’s nurses received more than $2,900 in total back pay.
• Grievances 285 and 287: Shift differential. WSNA has advanced both grievances to arbitration.
• Grievance 286: Excess-of-shift overtime when a nurse misses a meal period. WSNA has advanced this grievance to arbitration.
• Grievance 294: Overtime calculations. We are awaiting the employer’s Step 3 response.
• Grievance 307: EIB access when Employee Health instructs a nurse to stay home. The employer affirmed this grievance. We are seeking clarification on several details.
• Grievance 317: Union introduction meetings during new employee orientation (NEO). This grievance concerns how the employer informs newly hired nurses about the union introduction meeting.

We will continue to share updates as these grievances move forward. If you believe the employer is violating the contract, contact a local officer or Nurse Rep Jared at JRichardson@wsna.org.

Our contract is strongest when we enforce it together. Thank you for speaking up, supporting your coworkers, and helping build a stronger union at St. Joe’s.

Laura Bayes, Co-Chair
Amber Pouley, Co-Chair
Jenn Engelhart, Co-Secretary
Laura Sherwood, Co-Secretary
Tracy Pullar, Treasurer
Stacy Gaggia Libby, Grievance Officer
Celeste Montoy-Seimears, Membership Officer
Tracy Taylor, Membership Officer
Kristin Malmo, Communications Officer
Kelly Carroll, Communications Officer
Errin Hull, Co-Occupational Health and Safety Officer
Jessica Moran, Co-Occupational Health and Safety Officer

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Jared Richardson, jrichardson@wsna.org.