You may have spotted other WSNA nurses wearing ribbons that say "PEOPLE OVER PROFIT" — a sentiment we all should be able to stand behind. We know what you're wondering: am I allowed to wear this at work? 

Let's set the record straight — Federal labor law prohibits employers from treating union apparel and insignia differently from any other apparel or insignia, and your WSNA contract specifically protects your right to wear union insignia on the job at Virginia Mason! CommonSpirit knows this rule well, too — just look at the notice posting the NLRB required them to distribute to employees last year.

When nurses organize, management often doubles down on anti-union dress code rules. If your manager tells you not to wear WSNA t-shirts or other swag, you can say: "Will I be subject to discipline if I don't remove my WSNA shirt/pin/sticker/ribbon?" Usually, managers will back down right away. If your manager insists you will be subject to discipline if you refuse to remove your union gear, remove the gear for the rest of your shift and notify your WSNA bargaining team or your WSNA Nurse Rep as soon as possible. They can contact management and demand that Virginia Mason's leaders put a stop to any unlawful conduct on your unit.

Need representation or have contract questions? Contact Nurse Representative, Sara Frey at SFrey@wsna.org.

Maia Hepburn, WSNA Organizer 301-378-3807

Hannah Collins-Lewis, WSNA Chair hcollinslewis@gmail.com