WSNA has filed a Union Grievance under Article 16.2 based on the employer failing to comply with the terms of the WSNA Contract.

Specifically, SJMC failed to adhere to prescribed timelines in the MOU - Emergency Department Weapons Detection Pilot Program. The MOU provides, 'No later than six (6) months after ratification, the hospital will start a Weapons Detection pilot program by installing and staffing a Weapons Detection system in the Emergency Department.' It is six (6) months post CBA ratification, and no weapons detection system has been installed.

According to Article 16.2 Union Grievance:

The Union may initiate a grievance at Step 2 if the grievance involves two or more named nurses on the same facts and if the grievance is submitted in writing within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the nurses were or should have been aware that the grievance existed. Such a grievance shall be submitted to Human Resources.

We are both frustrated and disappointed that the employer has failed to comply with the Contract in an effort to improve safety for the nurses, staff, patients, and community.

Additionally, WSNA was notified by the employer that they will be unable to meet the July 1^st timeline to start collecting data from the nurses in accordance with the Meal Period & Rest Break Coverage MOU. The employer asserts that KRONOS has limitations that will prevent the collection of this data. Again, we are both frustrated and disappointed.

MOU – Meal Period and Rest Break Coverage

iv. “Break buddies” will not be used as a practice of providing break relief, will only be used rarely (if at all), and will only be used as a last resource. Break buddies will not be included as a resource on any unit’s meal and break plan. No later than July 1, 2025, the Hospital will develop and implement a system to allow nurses to report when the break buddy system was used to cover a break. This data will be broken down by unit, and all data collected will be shared with the Staffing Committee and the WSNA Nurse Representative on a quarterly basis. The first data will be provided to the Staffing Committee and the WSNA Nurse Representative on October 1, 2025.

PLEASE stay tuned for further action on these issues. 

Questions or concerns, contact your Local Unit Officers or WSNA Nurse Rep, Linda Burbank, at lburbank@wsna.org.