We have officially launched preparations to strike and nurses have turned out! On Thursday, June 20, WSNA offered Strike Assessment Training to the newly formed Rapid Response Organizers. Friday, June 21 and Monday, June 24, hundreds of nurses turned out for Local Unit Meetings at the IBEW Hall to get their questions answered about striking, signed strike commitment petitions and signed up for strike committees. Solidarity is in the air.

You may have seen the letter from CHI asking what the nurses want. How bizarre! Over the last ten months, the negotiating team has been unequivocal and committed to your top priorities: wages, retroactive pay, and staffing. We have consistently articulated these priorities to management. The employer is clearly feeling the pressure, let’s keep up the momentum.

Here’s how you can take part in our strike preparations:

1. Sign the strike commitment petition and pledge that “If it is necessary, I will join my co-workers on strike and participate in picketing on all of my assigned picket shifts.”
2. Sign up for a strike committee.
3. Be informed, stay engaged.

• Did you see the Tacoma News Tribune (TNT) article?
• Did you see Richie Tiamzon’s blog?
• Do you have questions about striking? Find your answers in the Strike Manual.

Questions? Feel free to contact Hanna Welander, Nurse Representative, at hwelander@wsna.org.