Your WSNA team reviewed the survey responses to determine the path forward in this fight for a fair contract. What was the outcome? Seattle King County Public Health Nurses will keep fighting! We will continue escalation and bargaining past contract expiration on December 31, 2025. In the interim, we will address continuation of reduced parking at Goat Hill with the County. Stay tuned for more.

Thank you to the many nurses who not only contributed to this decision, but to all those who participated in the collective actions over this year of bargaining. We do have power and a voice. Going forward, we will pump up the volume to achieve our collective goal. Exercising your legal right to engage in collective action. Persistence and engagement are essential to us winning this fight!

Important updates:

Unfair Labor Practice (ULP)

The Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) delivered a preliminary finding that the ULP allegations have merit. This is great news! Next steps will be for a PERC hearing to be scheduled to determine if the County committed unfair labor practices in negotiations with WSNA.  We will notify nurses of the date and time of the hearing if you want to observe the proceedings.

You can read the full ULP and the County response posted on our local unit webpage

Mediation

A mediator has been appointed at the parties’ request to progress in negotiations. We are currently waiting on dates for mediation.

CHSS Arbitration

According to the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the decision in favor of WSNA was to be final and binding. Unfortunately, the County is seeking to vacate the CHSS arbitration award in Superior Court. WSNA will file our brief on January 15, 2026, to dismiss their case, and have oral argument on January 22, 2026. From there, we will wait for the Court to issue a decision. We expect a ruling either that day or shortly thereafter. We also filed a grievance against the County for violating the article of the CBA directive that the arbitration decision was to be final and binding. More to come.

This year has been filled with adversity, challenges and change. However, one thing is for certain; Public Health Nurses have been resilient and have continued to provide stability, support and hope for so many in our community and beyond. Thank you ALL for your ongoing commitment to this important work.

We are WSNA – Stay Engaged

• Wear your WSNA Blue
• Stay informed - Read all WSNA communications and status updates
• 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 TBD
• Join the monthly virtual Lunch & Learn – Next meeting January 7 at 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

Wishing you all a joyful Holiday Season!

WSNA Nurse Rep Linda Burbank (lburbank@wsna.org)