On January 21, 2025, we had our 13^th day of bargaining with PVNA. The parties exchanged “package” proposals on some of the big economic items.  A package proposal combines several proposals into one “package,” all of which must be accepted or rejected in its entirety.  A party cannot accept some parts of the package and reject the others. While we did not reach agreement on any package, we are closer on some issues than we have been in the past.  However, we still have our work cut out for us on issues such as wages, benefits, workplace violence, etc.

Below is a breakdown of what we discussed during our last bargaining session.

Wages

Providence continues to insist that PVNA nurses accept wage increases that are far below than what it agreed to with WSNA at Sacred Heart, Holy Family and St. Luke’s.  The low pay at PVNA, coupled with the ongoing personal safety concerns at PVNA, has resulted in nurses continuing to leave PVNA for work elsewhere and a heavy reliance by PVNA on expensive traveler nurses to cover shifts.

Relief Nurses

Management has told us that having a percentage-based premium for relief nurses is problematic for them to administer.  Thus, they have proposed a flat dollar amount for the premium.  We have expressed concern that a flat dollar amount premium does not increase over time as does a premium based on a percentage of the base wage.  We have indicated that we are willing to consider a flat dollar premium amount, if the amount goes up proportionately to wages in each year of the contract.  So far, Management has not agreed to this; but has expressed that it is considering it.

As part of a package proposal, Management a fixed dollar premium of $6.75 per hour for a 4-shift commitment, including one weekend shift, per 4-week schedule, plus one holiday per year; and $8.25 per hour for a 6-shift commitment, including one weekend shift, per 4-week schedule, plus one holiday per year.   As part of a package, WSNA has proposed the same $6.75 and $8.25 for the same work requirements for 2025.  However, we proposed that premiums be increased to $7.00 and $8.60 in 2026 and to $7.30 and $8.95 in 2027 to keep pace with the wage increases.

Premiums 

We continue to make progress on the amounts for various premiums.

SAVE THE DATE! Next day to bargain is Feb. 11

We Are WSNA!

Please continue to show support to the bargaining team by displaying car signs, wearing buttons and other WSNA gear!

Questions? Contact your Nurse Representative Kitt Ruchert RN, BSN at kruchert@wsna.org or text at 206-809-5035.