Our first bargaining session with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) took place on April 14, where the coalition formally presented our initial proposals on behalf of WSNA-represented nurses.

These proposals reflect the concerns and priorities we have been hearing directly from nurses across facilities, including here at Walla Walla.

Key Initial Proposal Highlights

(These are initial proposals that are subject to change as bargaining progresses and the employer counter proposes)

Wages

• Increase RN2 and RN3 pay ranges by at least three (3) ranges
• Across-the-board wage increases of 6.5% each year

Shift Differentials

• Separate evening and night shift premiums
• Increase night shift differential to better support recruitment and retention
• Increase weekend premium

Break Relief

• Establish break relief shifts (minimum 4 hours) to support timely, uninterrupted meal and rest breaks
• Designed so nurses can voluntarily pick up these shifts

On-Call and Per Diem Protections

• Clarify that availability does not equal obligation to work unscheduled shifts
• Require more equitable distribution of on-call shifts
• Prevent cancellation of confirmed shifts for reassignment except in operational necessity
• Ensure just cause protections apply to WSNA per diem nurses

Low Census Protections

• Strengthen language to ensure fair order:
  • Volunteers
  • Travelers/agency
  • Per diem (rotated equitably)
  • Full-time/part-time

Safety and Practice

• Protect RN3s/House Supervisors from being required to perform medication cart duties while responsible for facility oversight

Vacation Transparency

• Require employer to:
  • Respond to requests within 14 days
  • Provide a reason for denials
  • Report approvals/denials to Labor Management Committee

24/7 Facility Premiums

• Maintain and strengthen existing premium pay recognizing the work in 24/7 direct care facilities

Where Things Stand

At this time, DVA has not yet provided any counterproposals.

We are expecting their initial response at the next bargaining session on May 28.

What This Means

This first session was about clearly putting forward the issues that matter most to nurses:

• fair and competitive wages
• safe and sustainable staffing practices
• transparency and consistency in scheduling

As we move into the next phase, we will begin to see how the employer responds to these priorities.

Stay Engaged

Your input has directly shaped these proposals, and your continued engagement will be important as bargaining progresses.

If you are experiencing issues related to:

• on-call scheduling
• missed breaks
• low census practices
• vacation denials

Please continue to share those examples, they strengthen our ability to advocate effectively at the table.

We will continue to keep you updated after each bargaining session.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement.

In solidarity,
Your Coalition Bargaining Team

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Jennifer Jackson at jjackson@wsna.org.