Your WSNA Nurse Representatives completed opening day for coalition bargaining. Our chief negotiator, Rhonda Fenrich, presented proposals on behalf of all of the labor unions in the Coalition. The Office of Financial Management (OFM) asked clarifying questions and Laurie Robinson WSNA Nurse Representative gave context to some of our proposals around per diem workers and certification pay. Proposals for this bargaining session include

• 10% ATB raises in year 1 and year 2
• $1,000 retention bonus
• Premium pay for nurses who hold certifications like BSN, MSN, CRRN, infection control (approved certs to be approved by LMCC)
• Retain the 5% 24/7 facility premium
• RN license reimbursement annually
• A 15% premium for per diem nurses who work weekends and holidays
• Language for scheduling overtime that aims to reduce agency use and promote access to overtime shifts for all classifications of RNs, not just per diems.

Are you a new employee or never participated in coalition bargaining? Here’s what you may need to know.

What is the Coalition?

The Coalition is an assortment of labor unions that represent judges, hatchery workers, pharmacists, nurses, master mates, corrections officers, and many more. These individuals are all employed by Washington State and are small enough to bargain collectively as opposed to individually.

Who is OFM?

Office of Financial Management manages budget development, fiscal analysis, and policy research for the state government.

How did WSNA draft the proposals for bargaining?

WSNA sent out a pre-negotiation survey back in November soliciting information on issues that nurses would want addressed in the contract. We also use data from LMCC and UMCC meetings on persistent issues like overtime scheduling, per diem scheduling, and agency utilization.

Questions? Contact your local officers or respective WSNA Nurse Representative.

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