As our fellow healthcare workers in SEIU and UAPD prepare to strike next week, WSNA nurses are stepping up to stand with them—and to send a message of our own. Yesterday, we served management with a 10-day notice for an informational picket on Thursday, May 15 from 1530 to 1830.

This is our chance to join forces across unions and show management what real solidarity looks like – and to give them a preview of what they might see outside if they push nurses at St. Joe’s to go on strike. When WSNA, SEIU, and UAPD are all on the line together, we send a powerful, united message: we demand respect, safe staffing, and a fair contract for every healthcare worker.

Picket Participation Guidelines

 Here’s what you need to know for our May 15 action:

• If you are scheduled to work, you must report to your shift.
• If you’re on duty, you can join the line during your meal or rest breaks.
• WSNA-branded signs may only be displayed during the official picket window: 1530–1830.

Bring your energy, your voice, and your WSNA blue. Let’s show up strong.

Standing in Solidarity: SEIU and UAPD Strike

 WSNA fully supports our coworkers in SEIU and UAPD as they strike for better wages, safer staffing, and respect on the job. Their fight is our fight—and when one of us takes a stand, we all rise.

We’ve gotten a number of questions about how WSNA nurses can support this strike. Here’s how you can stand in solidarity while protecting your license and your rights:

• Join their picket lines on your own time, such as on your days off.
• Avoid joining while on break, in uniform, or while commuting to or from work—this could blur the line between personal action and work responsibilities.
• Do not wear PeaceHealth-branded gear. Represent yourself as a nurse and union member, not as an employee of the hospital.
• Let SEIU and UAPD workers take the lead. Follow their directions, respect their strategy, and uplift their message.
• Redirect media inquiries to SEIU or UAPD spokespeople—this is their action, and we should amplify their voices. Share the spotlight with them the way they shared it with us last week.
• Be safe and prepared. Wear comfortable clothes, mask up, and look out for each other.

Remember: while you are free to support your union siblings, WSNA has not issued a strike notice. You must report to work as scheduled unless you are on approved leave.

If you're assigned unsafe work or asked to cross legal or professional lines during the strike, rely on your training:

• Work within your scope of practice.
• Only take assignments for which you're trained and competent.
• Call a safety stop if something puts patients or your license at risk.
• Report low standards. File an ADO, and call out scabs and PeaceHealth if they are not providing adequate care or staffing. https://www.wsna.org/union/ado
• If you’re unsure what to do, reach out to your nurse rep, Jared Richardson at JRichardson@wsna.org.

Negotiations Resume May 16

We return to the bargaining table the day after our picket, on Friday, May 15. This is our first session since we packed the streets—and we expect management to feel the pressure. While we can’t share proposal details due to mediation, you can attend as an observer. We’ll be at the HEC Building, Conference Room C. Please arrive by 0915.

To learn more or sign up, email WSNA organizer Sam Scholl at SScholl@wsna.org.

Hospital Staffing Committee – May 7 at 0800

Tomorrow’s HSC meeting is another opportunity to make our voices heard. Over 200 nurses attended last month, and management took notice. Help us keep the pressure on. This is where we review staffing plans and address ADOs—and your presence matters.

Under RCW 70.41.420, nurses have the legal right to speak at HSC about staffing plans and complaints. Please keep comments focused and professional so we can make the most of this platform.

If you have questions or concerns outside the scope of staffing plans or complaints, speak to a union HSC member or reach out to Jaredat JRichardson@WSNA.org.

Join the HSC meeting here.

News, Updates, and everything on our local unit web page: https://www.wsna.org/union/st-joseph-hospital.

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