Meet the Labor Executive Council

The Labor Executive Council (LEC) is the democratically elected governing body for WSNA’s union-related work statewide.

To be eligible for election or appointment to the council, a person must hold current membership in WSNA, be represented for collective bargaining by WSNA, and meet the WSNA definition of staff nurse.

Among its functions, the LEC sets priorities for functions and activities tied to WSNA labor relations and develops and reviews policies and procedures for collective bargaining, contract administration, contract enforcement, organizing, and other labor relations activities. The LEC also encourages the organization of local units in collective bargaining and related labor relations activities on behalf of nurses. The LEC chair also serves as a member of the WSNA Board of Directors.

We asked members two questions: What are your top priorities for the council? Why is labor important to you?

Chair, Shoreline

"I am excited to be your chairperson because I want to represent all of you, as well as hear from all of you on what else WSNA can do for you and how we can empower you.

My priorities are for the Labor Executive Council to be more visible and present for all facilities around the state. I want our council members to speak to as many bargaining unit members as we can to hear what they have to say. I would like to travel and visit facilities that WSNA represents no matter the size or the number of union nurses the facility has. I want to explain my role on the LEC and on the Board of Directors on behalf of the nurses.

Labor provides us with a better living wage and pay that is incomparable with some other professions. It allows us to be part of a collective bargaining team that gives us the power to bargain for our profession with issues that some other nonhealthcare professions do not have, such as shift differential and weekend pay."

Vice Chair, Pasco

"One of my top priorities is staffing, staffing, and staffing!

We have made great progress with improvements in staffing, such as removing the ability of the CEO to substitute their own staffing plan and allowing for one of several correction plans if the hospital’s correction plan isn’t implemented or is otherwise inadequate. But we are not done! We have more work to accomplish to improve staffing conditions for all Washington nurses.

Another priority is workplace safety! We need to address and protect our nurses from workplace violence that has become commonplace over the years. For the future of nursing and healthcare, this needs to be addressed.

Being part of a union is like joining a big family that’s got your back, making sure you’re looked after and that your voice counts. Here’s the thing: On your own, it can feel like you are whispering into the wind, but together, we are a choir. When we link arms, we are not just stronger––we are unstoppable. This is about more than just work; it is about building a community where every nurse feels heard, valued, and empowered. Together, we are not just raising our voices––we are lifting each other up and creating a future where everyone wins."

Secretary Treasurer, Kelso

"As always, there are several contracts coming up. With the added professional involvement of local labor councils throughout Washington state, WSNA will be gaining additional influence and support for the bargaining strength at our local hospitals and communities.

As the secretary/treasurer, one of my primary goals will be supporting Edna Cortez (chair), Jacob Garcia (vice chair), and the Labor Executive Council, and occasionally keeping them out of trouble to the best of my ability.

With hospitals across the region continuing to consolidate and conserve every cent in healthcare, unions are becoming even more important to patient safety and our livelihoods.

WSNA has been one of the largest advocates of the passing of the Safe Staffing Bill and will continue to support hospital staffing committees by holding administration accountable to provisions within the bill."

Member, Toppenish

"I am new to the LEC and any committee within the WSNA. I have attended conferences in the past that have always had me walking away re-energized and wanting to make a difference in my work environment. I wanted others to feel the same. I am learning so much as a current member of the LEC. For me personally, the top issues would be safe staffing, educational opportunities, and helping with representation in general.

Labor is important because it is a segue to making a difference for nursing and representation. I am proud to be a part of people making a difference."

Member, Spokane

"My top priorities are the following:

• To provide a voice for Eastern Washington nurses at WSNA.
• To help WSNA fight for nurses who are putting patients and community ahead of profits.
• To be part of the process to help nurses organize and speak out against injustice and inequities at healthcare facilities.

Labor and unions are what give workers back their voice. They give nurses a seat at the table where decisions are made about our jobs and duties. Whether that table is at the hospitals we work at, in the communities we live in, or within the government we elect. When it feels like everything is against you, the union is on your side. In a union, when one is hurt, all are hurt."

Member, University Place

"My top priorities are safe staffing ratios and workplace violence. I have seen so many brand-new nurses who are burned out after just a year and leaving the field because they are expected to take on more patient loads with little resources. I find it extremely hard to watch that light go out of their eyes because of this, and I would love to be a part of the solution that helps get ratios passed as law.

Workplace violence is another issue that is so important to me. I cannot recall how many times I have been kicked, punched, or threatened by a patient or family member. No one should be made to feel unsafe at work.

These issues are why the Labor Executive Council is so important to me and why I am a part of this awesome council. We are there supporting our local units to help them keep fighting for safe staffing ratios, better contracts, holding management accountable, and providing nurses with the tools and resources they need to accomplish those goals."

Member, Tacoma

"My top issues are safe staffing and workplace violence. Nurses are being asked to stretch beyond safe limits across the nation. Hospital executives have made it clear that they value profits over patients by refusing to implement safe staffing ratios.

Nurses are also often victims of violence in the workplace. Many are discouraged by their leadership from pressing charges when they are assaulted by patients or their family members. Or they cannot afford to go on workers comp if they disclose that they were injured at work.

Before becoming a union nurse, I just accepted that this was the reality of nursing. However, becoming a part of the labor movement has shown me that there is power in numbers! We are changing nursing every day together. In unity!"

Member, Tacoma

"My top priorities are supporting our bargaining teams with contract negations and educating and empowering our nurses.

Labor is what drives us, and WE can achieve greatness."

Member, Spokane

My first priority is to provide quality, fair, and equal representation for nurses engaging in collective action. This involves helping to organize local units to engage effectively in collective bargaining and related labor relations activities.

It is essential that every nurse feels adequately represented and has access to the resources they need to navigate their professional environments. I want to ensure that their voices are heard, and their rights protected in every aspect of their work.

Advancing strategic labor relations statewide is my next priority. This means not only addressing immediate concerns, but also anticipating future challenges and opportunities within the nursing profession and protecting our union institutions for generations to come.

Labor is about being more than a voice––it’s about being a force of change, a beacon of hope for those who have been sidelined in the corridors of power and policymaking. This commitment transcends beyond mere representation; it’s about actively shaping our political and social climate to ensure a more equitable and just workplace.

Labor is the battleground where we fight for these ideals, where we negotiate not just for better terms and conditions, but for the recognition and respect of the nursing profession. It’s a platform where we can drive meaningful change, ensuring that our nurses are provided with an environment that respects their dedication, safeguards their health, and acknowledges their invaluable contribution to our society.