After 4 days of negotiations we have a TA. The vote is scheduled for Nov. 16th at the hospital from 11-3:30 p.m. and 5:30-8 p.m. and we’ll have reps from WSNA on site to answer your questions. Once we have more specific location information we’ll send out a communication to that effect. A full summary of the changes will be posted prior to the vote.

As a preview:

Wages:

• Wages will increase 13% for the first year of the contract. 5% the second year of the contract, and another 5% the third year of the contract.
• Wage increases will go into effect the first pay period after Jan. 1, 2023.
• Increases are retro to July 1, 2022, so you’ll receive a lump sum payment for your retroactive wage increase after the first of the year.

Credit for Experience:

• Your team heard your concerns and prioritized pushing the hospital to give you 1:1 credit for years of work as an RN.
• The hospital has committed to a step adjustment process that will restore up to two years for anyone hired prior to Jan. 1, 2023 whose initial step placement did not give 1:1 credit for prior experience. Nurses who qualify will get one extra step increase on their anniversary date in 2023 and another extra step increase on their anniversary date in 2024. The hospital also agreed to work with WSNA to address extraordinary step adjustments for RNs who lost significant experience credit when they were hired.
• You’ll be able to request that adjustment if you submit a request within the first 90 days after Jan. 1, 2023. We’ll have forms available for you to complete at the vote and your officers will have forms after the vote as well.
• Moving forward, new hires will get credit for their years of experience in jobs that require RN licensure regardless of whether they were in a hospital. They will also get full credit as long as they haven’t taken a long break that impacted their qualifications.

Premiums:

• Increased evening shift differential, standby and holiday standby pay, charge nurse pay, and SANE stipends.

• Addition of traveling nurses to the list of individuals who can be precepted, which qualifies more RNs for preceptor premiums.
• Expanded float premium criteria that qualifies much of the bargaining unit for $3/hour premiums.
• Increased stipends for part-time RNs called in on their days off.
• Starting Jan. 1, 2023, the hospital will pay for 2 certifications that apply to the department you work in. For example, if you work in the emergency department and you have your CEN and TCRN you qualify for both.

Staff Development:

• We have a commitment from the hospital to dedicate paid time toward Staff Development and will be asking nurses from each department to volunteer to be on the Staff Development Committee.
• We will need committed staff in attendance to keep this committee active. You will be paid for your time participating on the committee. Please let your officers know if you’re interested in participating.

A full summary will include the actual language and a redline copy will be available for your review at the vote next week.

Your Bargaining Team is recommending a YES vote.

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Shawn Mork at sreed@wsna.org.