Meal and Break waivers have been distributed

This past spring, WSNA and St. Joes negotiated a new meal and break waiver which was ratified by nurses in May.  This agreement provides more flexibility that many nurses want. It allows for more flexibility of when nurses take their meals and rest breaks and allows for the waiver of some meal periods.  You can waive some or all the options, or you do not have to waive anything. No nurse shall be subjected to intimidation, coercion or restraint with respect to the nurse's decision to sign any waiver or to revoke such waiver.

Once signed, you may revoke your waiver at any time (not retroactively) if you want to change your selections or want to completely revoke what you previously selected. You will need to complete a new waiver if you wish to once again waive any of the options or change them.  The waiver and revocation form should be available on all units.

Meal period waiver - You have the option of waiving your second or third 30 minute meal period (if applicable).  You cannot waive your first 30 minute meal period unless you work less than 8 hours. Most nurses elect to waive their second meal period.

Meal period timing - Without a waiver on meal period timing, you must start your first meal period within the first 2-5 hours of your shift. This waiver of timing allows for your meal periods to occur between the 3rd and second-to-last hour of your shift. You can also waive timing on subsequent meal periods if you elect to take them.

Rest periods timing - Without a waiver, one 15 minute rest period must occur during every 4-hour block. You may elect to waive timing only on one or more of the rest periods you are entitled to. You cannot waive any of your rest breaks.  Remember, you get one 15 minute rest break for every 4 hours’ worked.

REMEMBER – Meals and rest breaks must be uninterrupted, and you must be completely relieved of duty otherwise, it is missed and you should clock out a missed break or meal.  Even if you waive timing, there are still timing requirements, they are just more generous than the default law. If those timing requirements are not met, it is a missed break/meal and should recorded as missed. 

You can find a link to the agreement and waiver form HERE.