Day 2 is done for Coalition Bargaining! We received responses back from the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and reviewed their proposed counters.

• WSNA submitted language on increasing per diem work requirements to include one holiday and an incentive of 15% when they work holidays and weekends.
  • OFM countered with language that per diems would maintain availability of 3 shifts per week on 2 different shifts. Additionally, they can be scheduled for all shifts and must be available for at least 2 weekend shifts per month. OFM proposed all this with no proposal to increase the premiums for on-call nurses. WSNA rejected this proposal. On call employment is intermittent and sporadic in nature as is defined by the current CBA. WSNA does not see this language as a benefit to nurses.
    
• WSNA submitted language on scheduling of overtime that seeks to fill shift coverage with all classifications of nurses. We have heard in the past that full time nurses have agreed to cover open shifts at their overtime rate and shortly before the shift, it was removed and reassigned to agency nurses or per diem nurses. WSNA believes that any changes to assigned shifts should be made through mutual agreement.
  • OFM countered our proposal and removed the language that says removal of assigned overtime shifts will be by mutual agreement only. We provided insight on this and are hopeful that OFM will come to an understanding of what we are trying to accomplish.
    
• OFM was unable to engage on any proposals relating to wages or economics as they wait for the report for the forecast budget. OFM shared that they expect this report to come out June 26, 2024, and we will have more conversations in our next bargaining sessions.
  • Some of our economic proposals include ATB raises of 10%, increased night and weekend differential, adding a premium for carrying the call-in phone, reimbursement for RN license renewals, and adding pay for nurses who hold specialty certifications.

Questions? Contact your WSNA Nurse Representatives! Our next day of bargaining is Thursday, June 20, at 9 am.

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