We’ve asked observers to join us at negotiations so they could hear our wage proposals firsthand, but we know not everyone can make it to our bargaining sessions to get the same information. As we count down the days until this week’s picket on April 18, we want to share the details of our most recent wage proposal with you so you know what’s at stake at negotiations before you join us on the picket line Thursday.

Here’s what WSNA proposed at our most recent negotiation session on March 26:

• Effective with the first full pay period after March 1, 2024, an increase of $2/hour plus 11% for all steps and all grades. That increase averages out to 14.5% across the bargaining unit for the first year of our contract. Management has proposed a 5.7% average increase in the first year of our contract.
• Effective with the first full pay period after January 1, 2025, an increase of 4.5% for all steps and all grades. Management has proposed a 4% increase for the same period.
• Effective with the first full pay period after January 1, 2026, an increase of 4.5% for all steps and all grades. Management has proposed a 4% increase for the same period.
• WSNA has proposed maintaining our standard three-year contract term from March 1, 2024, through February 28, 2027, which would mean the first year of our next contract would begin March 1, 2027. Management has proposed adding more than a year to our contract term and increasing pay 3.5% from March 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028.

We’ve shared publicly available wage data with management to show what nurses earn at Portland-area hospitals and what it will take to keep nurses on the job at PeaceHealth Southwest. As with any negotiation, both parties will need to make compromises to reach an agreement. We have proposed changes to premiums and differentials throughout the contract, and we’ll adjust our proposals as we reach other agreements. But make no mistake: our goal is to reach an agreement that includes (1) wages that compete with those at Portland’s hospitals, (2) safe staffing levels, and (3) protection from workplace violence across our bargaining unit. Your bargaining team will continue to fight for those goals at negotiations and will not recommend a “yes” vote on any contract where they feel we’ve left money on the table.

But they can’t do it alone. Your attendance and support at the picket on Thursday are vital components of our negotiation strategy. Management will be looking out the window to see how strong our bargaining unit really is. This is a make-or-break opportunity to show PeaceHealth that nurses across the facility demand better. Our success at bargaining depends on you.

Picket Line Details

Our picket is almost here! See you on Thursday from 0600-0900 or from 1600-1900 and don’t forget to sign in! There will be people carrying clipboards and a place to sign in under the tents. If for some reason you absolutely can’t attend, please submit an ADO to let us know that you would be there except for extenuating circumstances.

Click the link below to view a map of our picket line so you can see where to join us Thursday. We’ve also included details about what to expect, including parking info, what to do if the media asks you for an interview, and some of the rules of the road. We’re excited to see you there!

Sip-and-Chat tonight!

Join bargaining team members tonight from 1800-1930 for our last “Sip and Chat” meeting before the picket. “Sip and Chats” occur every Tuesday from 1800-1930 while we are in negotiations. Click the button to join via Microsoft Teams or call in (206) 485-2614; Passcode: 864004705# to join.

When do we get back to the bargaining table?

April 23 is our next bargaining session! Both sides have agreed to bring in a Federal Mediator to assist us in getting to an agreement. Unfortunately, observers are not allowed in Federal mediation. That said, we will be bargaining on May 15 without a mediator. WSNA members are welcome to attend that bargaining session. To observe the bargaining session on May 15, 2024 Email sscholl@wsna.org to RSVP.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest from your bargaining team … https://www.instagram.com/phsw_nurses?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==.

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.