For months, your local unit officers have been having conversations with management about securing an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that speaks to referral bonuses. In September of 2021, we became made aware that Providence was offering this incentive to nurses, but at the time it was not memorialized as part of your contract.

Because wages are a mandatory subject of bargaining, and to maintain fairness of application, we proposed memorializing the language in the form of an MOU that became part of your WSNA contract. Providence ignored our request, and then withdrew the benefit. Keeping our eye on this, the offer was made again, only this time by Providence to the nurses in January, and WSNA in conjunction with the officers, promptly drafted another MOU to propose. After 2 months of consideration, Providence replied indicating they were in agreement.

Your officers have fought long and hard for this benefit and are pleased to have it secured as part of your contract. While it took months, it was the right thing to do. Remember, anything that has to with wages, hours and working conditions ARE mandatory subjects of bargaining.

Congratulations PVNA RNs! The referral MOU is good until June 10.

Questions? Contact a local unit officer, or your Nurse Rep Jaclyn Smedley at jsmedley@wsna.org.