Today we met with management again to continue negotiations. Here’s what we did:

1. We crunched the numbers over the weekend and found their pay proposal lacked vital information we’d need to counter it more meaningfully. Management sent us the data we’d need at 3 p.m. today, and we’re reviewing it now. Regardless of the details, we know management’s proposal does not bring us close to the pay rates RNs would earn across the river in Portland.
2. We asked management to explain its proposed changes to pay grades, including its decision to divide our home care and community RNs and hospice RNs from the rest of the bargaining unit.
3. We also asked for more background on the employer’s proposal to narrow the scope of the bargaining unit to exclude ARNPs we believe the contract should cover.
4. We discussed sections of the contract where our current language is strong, but the practice on the ground is confusing. Our hope is that some clarifications will help RNs take advantage of the benefits already covered in the contract and hold management accountable when they deny benefits that should be applied.
5. Finally, we shared our concerns about changes management has suggested to timekeeping programs that would not comply with our current scheduling language. We’re continuing to dig into this issue and will defend the contract language we already have.

We also made some counterproposals to address open items in the contract:

1. We made a counterproposal that retains the relief RN role alongside the per diem position so we have all the tools we need to keep the hospital fully staffed. Management had proposed eliminating the relief RN position and incorporating it into the per diem role.
2. We made a counterproposal that gives more control to units to determine what’s needed from their Charge RNs as team leaders and builds in a training program to make sure Charge RNs are set up for success. We talked about management’s vision for Charge RN roles, our concerns about their proposals, and where we can find common ground.
3. We proposed a pay grade system that aligns with the current setup rather than dividing the bargaining unit further.
4. We continued to push for premiums that exist in comparable facilities’ contracts and proposed both more ways to earn premium pay and higher pay rates for existing premiums and differentials.

“Sip and Chat” updates are here! While we are in negotiations, bargaining team members will be hosting informal union meetings with WSNA members. “Sip and Chats” will occur every Tuesday from 1800-1930 while we are in negotiations. Contact an officer or your nurse rep for the meeting link/passcode or check your email.

WSNA is requesting that EVERY NURSE wear a “I Support My Bargaining Team" sticker on negotiation days. Please contact a member of the bargaining team or WSNA Organizer Sam Scholl for a sticker.

Send us your pictures or share on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/phsw_nurses/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D.

Please follow “Vancouver RN’s Care for US” on Facebook.

Be an activist. Contact our Organizer Sammy Scholl for more ways to be involved. Cell: 425-606-7036, sscholl@wsna.org.

February 26 is our last bargaining session before the contract expires! To observe the bargaining session on February 26, 2024. Email sscholl@wsna.org to RSVP.

Yard Signs and Car Signs are here! Contact organizer Sammy or a member of the bargaining team for a sign!

Become a member, make our voice Stronger! https://www.wsna.org/membership/application

Contact membership@wsna.org if you are not getting emails from WSNA. Also, please remember to check your junk mail!

Want to join us for the full bargaining day? Contact our WSNA Nurse Organizer, Sammy, at sscholl@wsna.org to get all the details.

In solidarity,

Your Bargaining Team
WSNA Co-Chair Didi Gray, Family Birth; WSNA Co-Chair Dawn Marick, Resource team; Secretary/Treasurer Duncan Camacho, ICU; Grievance Officer Erin Irwin, CVICU; Member at Large Talitha Wilson, ED; Dillon LeSieur, RRT/Critical Care; Dustin Weddle, ED; Jeryl Anderson, Case Management; Brooke Churchman, Home Hospice; Samantha Golden, IMCU; Joan Ngarachu, PACU; Toutu Rekucki, Cardiology

Please contact WSNA Nurse Rep Travis Elmore Nelson at telmore@wsna.org or 206-575-7979 ext. 3117 with questions or to find out what you can do to get a fair contract.