In this Update:

• New Childcare options
• Action for RNs to support WSNA
• Coalition bargaining of Multi Campus Floating MOU

WSNA recognizes that registered nurses are feeling the pinch of the COVID-19 response as we all scramble to react to this national pandemic.

UWMC has notified WSNA of their day to day challenges and a coalition of unions have been working together to address issues of available PPE, daily work uncertainty, changes in shifts, overtime, multi-campus floating and more.

WSNA is working around the clock to address the many questions and circumstances that our registered nurses are confronting. Information and recommendations from national organizations are changing rapidly and we are working to keep up with them in order to give relevant information.

We are also working to hold employers accountable to the collective bargaining agreements for each institution in order to offer some sense of predictability to RNs in these uncertain times

We are grateful for all the essential work that RNs are performing on a daily basis in and out of the face of COVID-19.

Child Care Available – UWMC (Montlake and Northwest)

WSNA continues to work with state and local government leaders on providing childcare to health care providers during this declared emergency.

Thank you to those of you who completed WSNA’s childcare survey – we have shared results with the Governor’s Office, King County Executive’s Office and Seattle Mayor’s Office. Having direct information about your childcare needs helps inform everyone working together to find solutions.

Child care is available through a network of providers being coordinated by Seattle Public Schools. Available slots are currently full, although the Office of Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan has told WSNA that more slots will be opening later this week – they encourage you to get on the waiting list now if you might want to take advantage of this option. While these child care options currently require payment by individual families, the Mayor’s Office is working on potential funding options so this child care may be subsidized at some point in the near future. We will keep you informed of progress on those efforts.

We are also in ongoing conversations with the University of Washington regarding childcare options available through UW. You can learn more about UW childcare options at: https://hr.uw.edu/coronavirus/child-care/. UW Medicine employees (Montlake, HMC and Northwest) can submit this online interest form (requires UWNetID to access) to request help finding a child care option.

WSNA needs your help now to support bargaining efforts regarding multi campus floating:

Take just one minute to follow the link below to tell UW Chief Health Officer/Vice President of Medical Affairs to “Do the Right Thing” in encouraging UW Labor Relations to bargain in good faith toward recognizing the priorities of the RNs and other health care workers at UWMC and NW Hospitals.

We have been working with UW leadership to create working conditions that meet the needs of the employees during this crisis. We need them to hear your voices, your experiences and your struggles so they really know what is happening on the front lines. We are asking that you share your stories about PPE, floating, family/child concerns and your genuine feelings about how you feel while on the job. They need to hear from you.

We are asking that you follow the link below and take a minute of your time to help make a positive change!

Encourage all your colleagues to sign onto this as well!

Sign this Petition to preserve jobs across campuses

As part of this ongoing Multi-Union effort, the following petition is being circulated by our Union partners in an effort to get UWMC to do the right thing in regard to proposed layoffs across campuses.

Click the link below to stand in solidarity with union workers across campuses.

From all of the front-line staff working in units around the hospital to those in patient homes and units out in the community, we thank you for your dedication and flexibility in these uncertain times.

For questions or concerns, please contact WSNA Nurse Representative Brenda Balogh at bbalogh@wsna.org.

In Solidarity,

Brenda Balogh
WSNA Nurse Representative