Negotiations have begun!  We met with the County for our first negotiation session on October 16. We had productive discussions about health insurance plans and received more information to review. It was encouraging to achieve several tentative agreements on individual articles on day one. While we have concerns about the economic forecast and how it impacts our bargaining unit’s wages, the County seemed receptive to our proposals and willing to work together overall.

We anticipate making our opening economic proposals at our next session on November 4. In the interim, team members may reach out to talk with you about your concerns and how you feel about some of the ideas we’re considering for the next contract cycle. Your input is a vital part of our bargaining strategy, so keep an eye out over the coming weeks as we ask you to weigh in on your priorities for the next three years. As always, do not hesitate to contact a team member or your Nurse Representative with questions.

Want to join the fight for a strong contract? Here’s how you can pitch in:

• Contact Nicole, Kai, or Lela for a WSNA T-shirt or other swag. It is your right to don your union insignia in the workplace and share your union pride 😊 (Blue Monday or Blue Friday, anyone?)
• Take a selfie or group pic and send it to a team member or Nurse Rep.
• Read all WSNA communications to stay in the loop as we continue to bargain. Your bargaining team will need your input on proposals and priorities as we fight for one another’s rights at the table.
• Our local unit’s dedicated WSNA webpage holds your local unit officer and Nurse Rep information, our current contract, and an archive and a chronological log of all newsletters sent to our bargaining unit. Save it as a favorite on your computer, smart phone or other device for easy access at any time https://www.wsna.org/union/whatcom-county-health-department
• Don’t forget! Take your personal holiday before the end of the year. They do not roll over, and you deserve this contract benefit per article and section of 5.4

In unity,

Your bargaining team
Nicole Miller 
Kai Rapaport 
Lela Riherd 
Julie McElroy 
Tara Barnes Nurse Representative tbarnes@wsna.org