This past year, VM notified WSNA that it was changing its timekeeping practice from rounding to the nearest 15 minutes to a minute-to-minute system. WSNA understands the change is being implemented this pay period.  As a result of the announced change, WSNA demanded to bargain over the impacts of the change, a memorandum of understanding was reached and ratified by nurses. Please familiarize yourself with the MOU again so you know your rights.

Your WSNA officers did meet with management today for the regular Conference Committee and it appears that not all managers are aware of the MOU.  As always, if you get asked to meet with your manager or they want to question you regarding your clockings or any other matter that is investigatory in nature (could potentially lead to future discipline), contact your nurse representative for representation at the meeting.

Here is a recap of the highlights from the MOU.

FAQ about this MOU:

What does this mean? 

It means you will be paid based on the minute you clock in and out; you will need to clock in and out as near to the start and end of your shift as possible. There may be lines at the time clock so it is understood this may result in a few minutes over or under the actual start time.  You will be paid for each minute you are clocked in.

The hospital will be reviewing areas of congestion around timeclocks after implementation and working with WSNA to address this.

What happens if I am slightly over or under the start or end of my shift?

You will be paid for each minute you are clocked in until you are clocked out. There will not be any retaliation for these minor occurrences. If you are short by a few minutes (ie. 11 hours and 58 minutes for a 12 hr shift), you will not have to use PTO to cover your missing minutes. You cannot be disciplined or receive a decrease in benefits, etc. You should try to clock in as close to your start and end time as possible.

Will this affect my shift differential?

It should not since shift differentials are paid if a nurse works 2 or more hours on a designated shift; however, there may be a handful of nurses who work staggered shifts who may be affected.  Check your pay stubs to verify you are receiving your shift differential if you work a shift that might be affected if you clock in a few minutes late or clock out a few minutes early! (You should always check your paystub for accuracy every pay period.)  Management has agreed to meet with WSNA to discuss possible technical solutions if there are any issues. Please report any issues to WSNA and your manager.

What if I work in the OR or a procedure area and have to change into and out of scrubs?  

For those working in procedure areas/OR and are required to change into hospital scrubs, you will be allowed to clock in 8 minutes before and 8 minutes after to change. As before, you are paid for time spent donning and doffing your scrubs.

Questions? Contact one of your local unit officers - see the officer bar above for details.