Your WSNA Nurse Representatives met with OFM on July 9 and July 11, 2024, for bargaining sessions for the 2025-2027 contract. The session that was scheduled for June 20 was cancelled as we awaited the budget forecast.

OFM engaged with WSNA on our proposal that adds 1 holiday requirement for on call nurses and adds a 15% premium for on call nurses when they work weekends and holidays. Their proposal suggests that on-call nurses should be available to work a minimum of 3 shifts per week, on 2 different shifts. On call nurses may be scheduled for all shifts, weekends, and holidays and they shall be available for two weekend shifts per month. If an on-call nurses declines or misses 5 shifts in a quarter, their employment may be terminated. WSNA sent a resounding NO to this proposal. By contract definition, “the work is intermittent in nature, is sporadic and it does not fit a particular pattern”. We know on-call nurses often have other full-time jobs and we don’t feel they should be required to be available for the hours of a part-time nurse. We do feel nurses may be encouraged to work more or pick up shifts for extra incentive.

OFM offered a financial presentation that describes the state budget forecast as more people using state services increasing those caseloads, resulting in potentially less funding available. WSNA continues to advocate for the following monetary gains for nurses.

• Increased night shift differential for work between 10p-6a
• Reimbursement for annual registered nurse license fees
• Compensation for applicable certifications
• $1.00/hour for specific nurse classifications to answer the call-in phone
• Maintenance of the 5% 24/7 facility premium
• Elimination of wage scale steps that don’t have raises at steps

Our next session is July 23, 2024, and nurses can attend these for observation if they desire. Reach out to your officers or nurse rep if you’d like the link.

Did you know that your most recent 3% raise went into effect July 1, 2024, and should be reflected on your July 25 paycheck? WSNA encourages all nurses to review their paychecks on a regular basis.

In Solidarity,

Laurie Robinson- Walla Walla Veterans Home- lrobinson@wsna.org
Alle Machorro- Spokane Veterans Home- amachorro@wsna.org 
Janet Stewart- Washington Soldier’s Home and Washington Veterans Home-JStewart@wsna.org