WSNA and Virginia Mason have been negotiating with the help of a federal mediator this week. Federal mediation is a confidential process which means that we can’t go into details about the specific proposals that have been exchanged. We can tell you that we are not pleased with where we are. WSNA has been hearing loud and clear what VM nurses want in our next contract – improved staffing, safety inside and outside of the hospital, and wages that will make nurses stay at VM. Our negotiating team has told this to management over and over for 14 sessions. VM is not where they need to be.  

If you want better, then step up and join 650 nurses strong all telling management to Do More, Do Better! Sign the pledge that you will come to the picket on October 10, 2023, and then come to the picket. Negotiating team members and Unit Reps have pledge sheets you can sign.

Informational Picket on October 10, 2023
6 – 8:30 a.m.
and
Noon – 2 p.m.
Outside the hospital on Seneca St. Look for the WSNA Blue!

Informational Picketing FAQs

What’s an informational picket? Nurses walk, carry picket signs, and hand out leaflets on the public sidewalk in front of the hospital, in an effort to share our message of concern with the community.

Is it similar to a strike? No. Staff scheduled to work should go to work. Patients scheduled for care should go and get their care. The specific purpose of the action is to communicate the issues we have at the table with the public. If you are working, you are free to come join the picket line before or after your shift, or on your break.

Is it legal? Yes. It’s not just legal, it’s our right as union members!

Who can picket? Everyone. By everyone, we mean EVERYONE: you (all RNs, full-time, part-time, per diem, residents, probationary nurses), your family, your friends, your neighbors, your colleagues and your pets!

Why involve the community? We serve and advocate on behalf of our community every day. The issues we are dealing with directly impact them. They not only need to hear but will understand and support why we are concerned about the lack of staffing, our inability to recruit and retain nurses.

How can I help? If you are scheduled to work, go to work. Join the line before/after a shift, on breaks/lunches. If it’s your day off, join the line. Turn out your coworkers and emphasize how critical it is that management sees that VM nurses are united to #SaveVirginiaMason! Ask your friends and family to walk the line with us.

Can I get in trouble if my manager doesn’t like it? No. It is illegal for managers to question or discipline any nurse for talking about or participating in an info picket. The National Labor Relations Act specifically protects participation in this type of union activity – even if you’re on probation or a resident nurse!

Is this on paid time? No. Nurses participating in the informational picket will do so on their own time.

In solidarity,
The Bargaining Team
Kim Adekoya, ER; Sam Asencio, WSNA Treasurer and OR; Martha Bermeo, C8; Hannah Collins-Lewis, C9; Jane Hill Littlejohn, WSNA Chair and Resource Nurse; Art Laycock, IV; Kaylyn Lesser, ER Aaron Persinger, C17; Michael Salters, CCU; Kim Travis-Carter, ED; Donna Watts, Birth Center; Allison Wortman, J5 Recovery

Questions or comments, please contact your Nurse Representative, Barbara Friesen bfriesen@wsna.org or Organizer Crystal Doll at  cdoll@wsna.org.