On July 11, we joined with the staff bargaining unit and had our 9^th session with the County. After months of waiting, the County finally gave us their full wage proposal and BOY is it disappointing.

Here’s their proposal in a nutshell:

• It would guarantee that you would effectively take a pay cut, with wage increases not keeping up with inflation.
• And, it completely rejected our proposal to adopt longevity steps consistent with what is industry standard for nurses.

The County’s failure to agree to add annual step increases after year ten is particularly disappointing because the County has been stringing us along on this issue for more than two years. The County promised in the last contract that they’d work to solve this problem. But now they aren’t willing to do anything meaningful about it. What justifies the 180? They say that staffing isn’t that bad, and they don’t think they need to add longevity steps to retain nurses.

 Here's how you can help us push back:

• Sign the petition demanding a fair contract with step increases throughout your career, a fair wage increase, and continuation of the parking benefit at KCCF
• Continue to submit stories in support of our priority proposals
• Stay informed - Read all WSNA communications and status updates from the Employer
• Engage & Participate – Watch for important updates on how to support your Bargaining Team and fight for a Fair Contract
• Let your Bargaining Team know if you wish to be an Observer during negotiations. Next bargaining date is July 16
• Join the monthly virtual Lunch & Learn – Next meeting August 6at 12:05 pm – 12:55 pm
• Provide Input/Feedback to your Bargaining Team
• Make sure you check out your WSNA webpage: https://www.wsna.org/union/seattle-king-county-health-dept-supervisors

Other key issues:

• Parking: Parking rates also continue to be an unresolved issue. Despite conveying the critical importance of maintaining 'reduced parking rates' for nurses, the County has not committed to doing such and instead continues to propose that nurses pay the full day rates for parking.
• Equity: The County continues to take the position that allowing nurses to file a grievance for complaints of discrimination is a 'nonstarter'. WSNA has made numerous requests to have a representative from the Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ) attend a bargaining session to discuss this issue. Again, this did NOT happen.

Congratulations to Nicole Klein! 

Our Local Unit Chair, Nicole Klein, has accepted a new position as a Regional Health Administrator (RHA) for Jail Health Services. Sadly, this has resulted in her resigning from her position as Chair. Fortunately, she isn’t going too far! Nicole has been a HUGE asset to our bargaining unit, and she will surely be missed. In her absence, Local Unit Vice Chair, Christopher Salatka, will be stepping up and covering the Chair duties. The rest of your Officers will assist as well.

Your Bargaining Team,

Christopher Salatka, Local Unit Vice-Chair
Annie Roberts, Local Unit Secretary/Treasurer
Zerai Asgedom, Local Unit Grievance Officer

Questions? Contact your Bargaining Team Members or WSNA Nurse Rep Linda Burbank lburbank@wsna.org