We met with the employer for a full and productive day on September 11.   There was excellent communication between the teams, and we made sound movements toward the finish line.

The teams had detailed discussions surrounding the experience credit and placement on the wage scale. We are very close to securing this for the bargaining unit.

We meet at the bargaining table next on Thursday, September 26. Let us know if you would like to observe.

 We were able to reach tentative agreements on the following:

• Preceptor language- Defines a preceptor, training availability and when a preceptor is needed either with a new nurse or a nurse learning a new skill.
• Staff Meetings- Requirements for meeting attendance, pay for meetings, may attend virtually or in-person and will be conducted on dayshift.
• Courses paid by the hospital- Fees and course materials paid by the hospital for ACLS, ACLS EP, BLS, HCP, ATCN, ENPC, PACLS, TNCC, STABLE, NRP, AWHONN and PEARS Provider course, BLS provider course, and classes with a fee associated/instructor course designated by the hospital.
• Rest and Meal Periods- Details rest and meal periods and ability to achieve, waive and change the timing of the periods.
• Bridging Seniority- A FT or PT nurse who changes status to a position outside the bargaining unit and later returns to FT or PT status without a break in service will have their seniority bridged to reflect the time spent while in the BU position.
• Wage Step Increases- FT and PT nurses will move up one step on the wage scale starting on the first day of the first full pay period after the nurse’s anniversary date. Pool nurses shall move to the next higher step following completion of 1275 hours, effective on the first day of the first full pay period after the nurse’s anniversary date.
• Float Premium- Premium pay of $3.00 per hour for all hours worked as a float to a unit, other than their hired unit, unless in the course of their regular duties when following a patient to another unit.

Your team asks that you show your support by wearing your WSNA shirts on Bargaining Day Thursday, “I support the bargaining team" button or sticker, or blue scrubs! You can find the buttons and stickers on the WSNA bulletin board in your break room.

If you need a WSNA T-Shirt, reach out and we will get one to you.

Lastly, please send your candid photos of you and your co-workers showing your support to your Nurse Organizer, Jenny Galassi, 206-707-2948, jgalassi@wsna.org.

In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining team
Chris Gallup, OR, Co-Chair
Marshall Snoddy, OR, Co-Chair
Megan Baute, GI, Secretary
Caitlin Orange, GI, Treasurer
Mateo Maestas, OR, Grievance Officer
Rochelle Mason, ED, Membership Officer
Waikele Frantz, Rehab/ Medsurg, Unit Liaison

Questions/Concerns Contact Laurie Robinson, WSNA Nurse Representative, 206-620-4136,  lrobinson@wsna.org.

For more information on how you can get involved contact Jenny Galassi, Nurse Organizer, 206-707-2948, jgalassi@wsna.org.

Mares OR nurse Mateo riding to help others

Hi, this month, I am taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge and pedaling throughout September to kick cancer's butt! Why? Because cancer is the largest killer of kids in the U.S. – on average, 38 kids die of cancer every week. This is horrible. Kids should be living live, not fighting for it! Cancer has taken too many lives and robbed too many kids of their childhood... And frankly, cancer needs to be dealt with once and for all. So, I'm pedaling 200 miles this month to give cancer a good old-fashioned butt-kicking to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve. My goal is to raise $4,000 through my challenge... But I need your support.

Can you sponsor me to help me kick cancer's butt? Simply click the link below to view my profile page and make a donation: https://greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/MateoMaestas

All funds raised will support Children's Cancer Research Fund to continue their work in developing innovative treatments and finding a cure for childhood cancer. When we're done, cancer will have nightmares... about us. And when you donate, you can also leave a message on my page about how badly you also want to kick cancer's butt. Thanks so much for your support. – Mateo Maestas