After several bargaining sessions, we have reached agreement on a Meal and Rest Break Waiver. Your bargaining team is recommending a YES vote!  This agreement provides more flexibility that many nurses may want to have related to when they take their meals and rest breaks and allows for the waiver of some meal periods.  You can waive some or all of the options, or you do not have to waive anything.

Meal period timing - Without a waiver on meal period timing, you must start your first meal period within the first 2-5 hours of your shift. This waiver of timing allows for your meal periods to occur between the 3rd and second-to-last hour of your shift. You can also waive timing on subsequent meal periods if you elect to take them.

Rest periods timing - Without a waiver, a rest period must occur during every 4 hours block. You may elect to waive timing on one or more of the rest periods you are entitled to.

Meal period waiver - You have the option of waiving your second or third meal period (if applicable).  Note - if you work a 12 - hour shift, you are entitled to one paid and one unpaid meal period per your WSNA contract.

Once signed, you may revoke part or all of your waiver at any time (not retroactively). Once you do revoke the waiver, you will need to complete a new waiver if you wish to once again waive any of the options.  Waivers will otherwise need to be renewed twice per year.

You can find a link to the tentative agreement and waiver form here.

VOTING 

We will be conducting a virtual vote from March 19 at 6 am to March 20 at noon!  You can vote virtually any time during these hours. All members in good standing (that is, current dues-paying members) will receive a unique online ballot to the same email address on file with WSNA at 0600 (6 am). If you do not receive a ballot at 0600 on March 19, please check your junk and spam email. If you still don’t see a ballot, contact your WSNA Rep sfrey@wsna.org!

Not a member? No problem! You can still sign up for membership so that YOUR voice is heard. This is your contract and having a say in your wages, hours and working conditions is vital.  Please visit - https://www.wsna.org/membership/application.

Your WSNA nurse rep, Sara Frey, sfrey@wsna.org, and your bargaining team are available to answer questions before and during the vote.

Your bargaining team - Bonnie Brady, WSNA Chair and Luka Cobb, Staffing Chair