We, your bargaining team met for our 8^th session on Thursday, July 17.

We were able to make some progress and reach tentative agreements on a few items.  Whidbey did agree to withdraw their proposal on floating which would have limited the float premiums to certain nurses within the hospital who met certain criteria.  The hospital did come back towards the end of the day and have signaled they will agree to allow nurses to borrow against their 457B retirement plans. We do not have the full details yet, however, should know more after our next meeting.  We are also still evaluating the hospitals most recent counter to our charge nurse premium proposal.

Unfortunately, we are still far apart on some very important issues.

Health insurance premiums - The hospital is continuing to reject WSNA's proposals to improve healthcare premiums for nurses who need to insure their families, forcing nurses to seek other insurance and travel off Island to seek healthcare or worse, to leave or consider leaving employment altogether.

Wages - The hospital slightly adjusted their wage proposal.  The hospital proposed to move up the timeline to provide a wage increase to the first full pay period following ratification but not sooner than Aug 10.  With our next bargaining date set for July 29, this would be later than August 10. Subsequent raises in 2026 and 2027 would occur the first full pay period in September of each year instead of Oct 5. This doesn't feel like a meaningful movement to us.  This is not the first time in bargaining a contract that management has made nurse's financial security take a back seat to other interests. Many of your bargaining team are long-time members and have participated at numerous bargaining tables with Whidbey where the hospital's decisions in other areas have significantly impacted nurse's wages in a negative way.  Fair and competitive wages are a vital part of recruitment and retention.

We meet next on July 29.  Watch for more information this coming week on how you can support your bargaining team!

Your team,

Luka Cobb 
Gwen Parrick
Laura Black 
Ann Bell
Bonnie Brady