October 2, 2025

We reconvened today with the Employer for a full day of mediation. This was our first session since August 13. The state mediator is a neutral professional who works for Washington’s labor relations agency. We provided her with a background on our bargaining history and the proposals that have been exchanged to date.

The mediator met separately with both the management team and your nurse bargaining team. She outlined her perspective on the legal challenges and bargaining realities facing the parties in light of the employer’s timeline to eliminate flexible scheduling. UWMC is planning to start scheduling in November in order to roll out the new system on Feb. 16, 2026.

In August, the nurses voted and rejected the tentative agreement (TA). Today, your nurse bargaining team put forward a new package of proposals to try and improve on the TA. Management has not yet engaged with our new proposals. Mediations can be slow starting. We are looking forward to working with the mediator and the employer to reach a new TA.

We are scheduled for a second day of mediation on October 14. Stay tuned for more updates and information on how you can engage and advocate for an improved contract.

Your bargaining team is committed to reaching a TA that it can fully recommend to the nurses for a YES vote.

Coffee Sip and Chat next week!

You are invited to come meet with your Bargaining Team and Contract Action Team members this next Wednesday October 8.

We will be in the rear of Cafeteria from 1 to 2:30 pm and then at the 3^rd Floor Lobby Espresso stand from 9 to 10:30 pm for eve and night shift folks.

Show up and get a free drink of your choice.  We will also be handing out WSNA T-shirts for you to wear for upcoming WSNA Actions.

Show up and get informed.

Your WSNA Bargaining Team
Chris Jakubowski - LU Chair - Cath Lab
Doug Harper - Secretary/Treasurer- 4SA NICU
Jan Bower - Grievance Officer – OR
Erika Speckhardt - Unit Rep - 5SA CTICU
Melissa Sanchez - Unit Rep - 6S L&D
Lizzy Ryden - Unit Rep – ED
Melissa Humphrey - Unit Rep - Digestive Health
Sorrel Orr - Unit Rep - 7SE
Mark Beaumont - 5SA CTICU