DVA Coalition Bargaining Day 5 Update – July 22

Your WSNA bargaining team met again with the State to continue negotiations for the 2027–2029 Coalition Agreement.

The State's Economic Position

The day began with the State presenting its economic outlook for the upcoming biennium. State representatives reported an estimated $3.1 billion revenue shortfall while acknowledging that recently enacted revenue measures have created uncertainty regarding future revenues.

 Based on that outlook, the State advised the Coalition that it is not prepared to support wage increases during this round of bargaining and presented a 0% offer to all coalition members.

Coalition representatives from across Washington responded with a unified message: 

A zero percent wage increase is not a neutral decision, it is an effective pay cut.

Housing costs continue to rise. Grocery prices continue to rise. Insurance premiums continue to rise. Utilities continue to rise. When wages remain flat while the cost of living continues to increase, public employees lose purchasing power year after year.

 Coalition members also expressed concern that continuing this approach will make it even more difficult to recruit and retain experienced employees who provide essential services to the people of Washington.

WSNA Continues to Advance Nursing Priorities

Despite the disappointing economic discussion, your bargaining team continues to advocate for proposals that improve nurses' working conditions and patient safety.

During this session, WSNA presented counterproposals addressing:

• Improved break relief processes, including a pilot program at Walla Walla Veterans Home.
• Patient safety protections for Weekend Managers on Duty assigned medication cart responsibilities.
• Greater transparency and accountability in vacation scheduling.
• A modernized statewide Safety MOU that continues collaboration between nurse representatives and DVA leadership on safety, staffing, recruitment, retention, and workplace concerns.

The State is expected to respond to these proposals during our next bargaining session on August 5.

Why This Matters

Washington's nurses choose careers in public service because they care deeply about our Veterans and our communities.

But dedication alone does not pay mortgages, rent, childcare, groceries, insurance premiums, or fuel.

Interestingly, while coalition members were told there is no room for wage increases in this round of bargaining, salary increases for Washington's elected officials took effect on July 1 under the schedule adopted by the state's independent Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials. Many coalition members questioned why maintaining competitive compensation is recognized as important for public leadership while frontline public employees are being asked to accept zero percent wage growth during a period of continued inflation.

Your bargaining team remains committed to negotiating a contract that recognizes the value of the nurses who care for Washington's Veterans every day.

 What's Next?

The Coalition made it clear that a 0% wage proposal is not a sustainable solution for Washington's public workforce. While negotiations will continue at the bargaining table, coalition unions are also discussing additional ways for members to make their voices heard.

Those conversations are already underway, and several ideas are being explored to ensure decision-makers hear directly from the employees who provide these essential public services every day.

As these plans are finalized, we will share opportunities for members to get involved.

Stay tuned. Your voice will matter, and there will be ways for every member to participate.

Stay Engaged

Your input directly shaped 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.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement.

In solidarity,
Your Coalition Bargaining Team

Questions? Contact your WSNA Nurse Representative