It has been a busy September, and we have a lot to share. From work in the Hospital Staffing Committee to grievance wins to insurance updates, your board members have been working hard to enforce our contract and build on the work that happens between bargaining cycles. That work is not only carried out by elected officers, it is strengthened by every nurse who keeps management accountable, serves on committees, and files ADOs. Together, we keep St. Joe’s a better place for nurses and patients alike.

Hospital Staffing Committee

The HSC met several times this month to address ADOs and vote on staffing plans. While plans were due to the state on July 1, we were unable to reach agreement on several, including peri-op, until this week. The new plans better reflect the reality of patient care and include a more complete picture of the services provided.

But serious issues remain. The charter is now four months overdue for review. Management continues to refuse to provide the unit-level data we need to oversee and further develop staffing plans as required by law. We continue to demand transparency and are exploring all enforcement options.

Currently, there are big disagreements in the staffing committee around data collection. We’ve asked for methods, raw data (not just statistical rollups), and policies, but we haven’t received them. When you see staffing data rolled out, know that it is not data the committee has been able to substantiate.

As always, our strength is in unity. The next HSC is on 10/1/2025 (0800-0930). Join us to show management that nurses are united and watching.

Protecting What We Fought For

Back in April, we stood outside demanding better treatment. While PeaceHealth increased profits, they sought to do so by undervaluing our labor. With the rollout of PeaceHealth’s 5-7-9 program, it’s clear budgets will tighten, and our landscape will keep changing.

All of this is to say: we fought for what we have. We’ve seen real improvements in our healthcare and protections, and we look forward to seeing members use the workplace violence language we achieved. But as we’ve always said, our work doesn’t stop when a contract is signed. We must continue to protect our working conditions.

Since July, ADO submissions have dropped by more than 50%. If that decrease reflects true improvements, from the improvements the committee has already achieved like an abundance of travelers in the ED, limiting flex nurse floating, restoring a night care manager, or reducing call, that’s wonderful. But it’s hard to believe our conditions have improved by 50%. If the drop reflects fear, intimidation, retaliation, or apathy, that’s an entirely different concern.

Remember: ADOs are not just about staffing. They can be filed for issues like tech failures (computers, scanning, broken EKG machines), assignments above acuity, denied PTO, inappropriate call usage, or even a needle stick. (See wsna.org/ado for more examples.) Filing an ADO isn’t about filling forms unnecessarily, it’s about protecting ourselves and keeping conditions positive. It’s always easier to keep what we have than to fight to win it back.

There’s also been frustration with the ADO resolution process. Some members report not being invited to meetings for their ADO; others feel the outcomes have been inappropriate. You should be invited. You do not have to read a manager-prepared SBAR. The process should be a joint effort where your voice is heard. If you don’t agree with a resolution, you can email the co-chairs and ask for the ADO to be reconsidered, especially if you have new or additional information to share.

Now is not the time for apathy. It’s not the time to let go of our strength. If you have questions, reach out.

Grievances

We continue to pursue grievances on wrongful terminations, unjust discipline, improper job postings, and unilateral changes. At the same time, we are winning.

• Consecutive Weekend Work: Several nurses reported not being paid correctly when picking up open weekend shifts. The employer agreed they should be paid CWW and settled before hearing. If you believe you have not been paid appropriately, contact Jared at JRichardson@WSNA.org.
• Correct Pay on PTO and Holiday Cash-Outs: We secured wins here as well. Management claims the errors were due to Symplr, but regardless, nurses are receiving the pay they earned.

Weekly grievance meetings with HR continue, and we are committed to fighting until every issue is resolved.

Insurance Forum Update

At our second insurance forum with Employee Benefits, HR, and local management, we secured important mid-contract wins.

• PET Scans at Mt. Baker Imaging: Previously billed at tier two, they will now be covered at tier one starting 1/1/2026.
• Tier One Lab Coverage: PeaceHealth has confirmed plans to open an ambulatory tier one lab on campus within the next six months.
• Continuing Work: We are pressing for Sound Physicians (aka hospitalists) to be billed at tier one, and progress looks promising.

These add to earlier wins: ensuring ED doctors, anesthesiology, and radiology are tier one, and, bringing two tier one pharmacies to Whatcom County. These results prove that meaningful improvements can happen both at the bargaining table and mid-contract.

For 2026, it is true that insurance premiums will rise an average of 5%. While increases are never welcome, this increase is lower than most private plans in Washington, and the employer is paying a larger share than required under the contract.

Moving Forward Together

From staffing enforcement, to grievance victories, to mid-contract insurance improvements, September has shown the power of nurses standing together. But our work is far from done. The path forward requires participation—through ADOs, through showing up at HSC, and through raising our voices when conditions fall short.

Management will not hand us fairness, safety, or respect. We win them through unity and action. Every nurse matters, and every action builds our strength.

Let’s keep fighting together to protect what we’ve won and secure the improvements we still need.

In solidarity,
Robin Cully, Co-Chair
Laura Bayes, Co-Chair
Jenn Engelhart, Co-Secretary
Laura Sherwood, Co-Secretary
Tracy Pullar, Treasurer
Amber Pouley, Grievance Officer
Stacy Gaggia Libby, Grievance Officer
Ben McKee, 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

WSNA Nurse Representative Jared Richardson, jrichardson@wsna.org