WSNA is aware that Children’s sent out a form and communication around the standby unemployment and shared work programs. WSNA believes some of the information on both the form and FAQ document is incorrect and/or misleading.

• Standby unemployment does not result in a pay out of annual leave or loss of sick leave.
• Am I guaranteed to get my job back? – Children’s stated it is the “intent ..to return staff to their previous positions” when the standby unemployment ends. Volunteering for standby unemployment does not put the nurse “first in line” to be laid off should Children’s decide to implement layoffs. You must be returned to your previous position or, in the event of layoffs, the hospital must follow the layoff language in your collective bargaining agreement. WSNA is not aware of any discussion of layoffs at this time.
• Do I get to keep my benefits while I am in temporary standby unemployment? Yes! This is per the MOU and the state Employment Security Department. You will retain all of your benefits, even if you fall below a 0.6 FTE.
• Which benefits continue if I take a reduction of hours? ALL of your benefits, even if you don’t maintain a 0.6 FTE.
• Will my retirement contributions be impacted? The MOU requires that this benefit be maintained regardless of your reduced FTE, even below a 0.6 FTE. Please note that the requirement to continue retirement contributions for nurses on standby unemployment extends only until August 31, 2020.
• My FTE reduction period may be extended by the hospital based on work demands? This is not true. It may be reduced to a shorter time period by the hospital however, the hospital cannot unilaterally extend your reduction period.
• Why is there a deadline for submitting the requests? We did not bargain any deadline for signing up for the program. You may still submit a request at any time while the MOU is in effect. However, the hospital is not required to approve the request of any nurse.
• The hospital said I could elect to use my annual/sick leave during reduced work or standby unemployment. Will this affect my unemployment benefits? It most likely will cause an individual to not qualify for unemployment. The State would be able to provide detail on this question.

If you are denied your benefits or have other problems with the terms of the MOU, please contact WSNA ASAP. If you have questions about the administration of standby unemployment or shared work, signing up with the state, etc., please direct those to ESD.