St. Joe’s nurses have spoken loudly and clearly – we’re fed up with the pace of negotiations and with the Hospital’s numerous violations of federal labor law (called “unfair labor practices”), and want to vote on a strike. Management is dismissing our concerns about safety (our patients’ and ours!), is unbothered about retaining experienced nurses, and is still comfortable paying us less than what other Tacoma-area nurses are receiving (CommonSpirit just gave St. Francis nurses a market wage adjustment of approximately 11% - higher than what they’ve offered us!).

The WSNA Cabinet (the highest elected body of union leaders statewide) has authorized us to take a strike vote. Details on when, where, and how coming soon!

Next bargaining session (with a federal mediator participating): tomorrow, December 14.