Your WSNA team sends updates after each bargaining session. We communicated that despite our preparation and early wage proposal in February...... The County conveyed that they are still analyzing our proposal on longevity steps. How long will they take? It’s no secret that the preliminary budgets are in the approval pipeline RIGHT NOW. We return to the table on June 6 for session #9. Will the County finally have a response?

Be proud of what you have done so far! 

We asked you to wear stickers. At several sites, you have!

We brought the priorities to the KC board of health (BOH) in March regarding the crucial role that King County nurses fulfill in delivering on the mission of public health. Each of you helps form the backbone of public health across all divisions!

We asked you to submit stories to support our top priorities which were defined by the negotiation survey of all the staff nurses….and you did!

We asked you to submit more stories to continue to bring your voice to the bargaining table to personalize how important it is to gain a strong, fair contract......still more of you did!

We delivered an appeal at the KC Board of health meeting in May to ask for support for the staff nurse's contract. The response we heard is that they are with us!

We asked you to tell us your total years of nursing experience (yes, you can still submit a statement that we can bring to the table) ....and more of you did! We don't share your name, just your statement.

We MUST keep the pressure on!

At our 8^th session on May 29, we were again disappointed and frustrated with the lack of progress toward agreement with our top priorities…and we let the County know it! We can only describe their responses as rotten tomatoes, not truly recognizing the realities of the conditions you work in and how a strong, fair contract recognizes and respects the value and worth we bring to the clients we serve on behalf of the County. Here are our top priorities, all of which retain and recruit nurses. No surprises here!

1. Industry and market standard wage scale that recognizes every year of experience, expanding up to 31 years.
2. Maintenance of reduced parking rates for KCCF at Goat Hill.
3. Reasonable telecommuting language that reduces our carbon footprint, decreases wasted commute time and expense to the County while still meeting the needs of clients.
4. Meal and rest break and safe staffing language that aligns with state law.

We continue to exchange several more proposals and discuss them with the County, which they have (shockingly) continued to reject:

1. Improved bilingual premium that is truly accessible and equitable to more eligible nurses.
2. The ability to grieve issues of discrimination, just like the majority of union contracts at the County allow.
3. Clarification on continuing education leave provisions.

Here is what you can do to help. Take action now to help us to help you get that contract, one that demonstrates equity, value and respect for the work you do at the County

We know each of you work hard and have full lives. Here are our asks for each of you that can be done quickly and easily! 

1. We need to hear from ALL of you that have not yet submitted their years of nursing experience. There are also a few new poll questions to inform your bargaining team. Do not delay! Here is the link: https://forms.office.com/r/S04z0pf6M7
2. Let’s show the County that your team is representing ALL the nurses, not just the ones at the table. Take a selfie or group picture and send our Nurse Rep Tara at tbarnes@wsna.org or text to 206-713-2241.
3. Meet up at Goat Hill for a unity break before or after your shift between 530 and 7 pm on Thursday, June 5, in the sunshine 😊. We’ll have swag and snacks. Look for the people in blue! Participate in an action to show our strength and unity! Contact Nurse Rep Tara with questions tbarnes@wsna.org

In solidarity, your negotiations team:

Elena Schensted, CHS at Columbia City PH clinic
Stephen Lee, Jail Health at MRJC
Evie Devera, CHS at Downtown PH clinic
Tami Nesler, Jail Health at MRJC 
Carolyn Clark, Jail Health at KCCF 
Kiesha Garcia-Stubbs, CHS at Downtown PH clinic

Tara Barnes, WSNA Nurse Representative tbarnes@wsna.org