On October 24, we met with the County for our 13^th bargaining session. Our last session was in early August, at which time we informed the County that we were not inclined to schedule additional sessions without a commitment from them to be responsive and bargain in good faith.

What happened at the table?

The County shared that they started modeling what a 25-step wage scale could look like. They started working on this modeling last week, despite us asking for them to do such when we began bargaining in February. WSNA notified the County of our plan to file an Unfair Labor Practice complaint for their failure to engage in good faith over this issue and refusing to respond to requests for information.

County Council Meeting TODAY

We know many of you are frustrated. Now is the time to continue to increase our collective actions and to stand together to keep the momentum going:

1. Join our unity delegation as we deliver our petitions and address the full County Council about our fight for a fair contract TODAY.  We assemble at 1:15 pm for a start at 1:30 pm. Wear your WSNA T-shirt, we will have extra 🙂. The Council is responsible for passing the budget, including the market-rate wages and longevity premiums we are fighting for.
2. We are in the process of scheduling with the Executive to drive home our message.

Wear your WSNA Blue

Show the employer that ‘We Stand United’.

A HUGE shout out to Edna Cortez for coming to support us, observe negotiations and for bringing us delicious bagels!

Who was at the bargaining table?

Here’s who was present at the table on the County's side:

• Robin Laurence, Interim CNO
• Erin Larson, CHS Area Manager
• James Crowe, Office of Labor Relations (Lead Negotiator)
• Jake Ketchum, CHS Area Manager
• Martha Castro, CHS Division Deputy Director
• David Clayborn, Employee Labor Relations (Public Health and Jail Health Services)

Absent from the table, but usually at the table:

• Rebecca Cole, Continuous Improvement Specialist JHS
• Adrienne Miller, Prevention Division Director

Here’s who was present at the table on the WSNA Staff/Supervisor’s side:

• Evie Devera, Secretary/Treasurer – Staff Nurse
• Carolyn Clark, JHS Grievance Officer – Staff Nurse
• Tami Nesler, JHS Grievance Officer – Staff Nurse
• Christopher Salatka, Vice Chair – Supervisor
• Annie Roberts, Secretary/Treasurer – Supervisor
• Linda Burbank, WSNA Supervisor Representative
• Tara Barnes, WSNA Staff Representative
• Danielle Franco-Malone, WSNA Counsel

Absent from the table, but usually at the table:

• Elena Schensted, Chair – Staff Nurse
• Kiesha Garcia-Stubbs, CHS Grievance Officer – Staff Nurse
• Stephen Lee, Vice Chair - Staff Nurse

Observer

• Edna P. Cortez, WSNA Labor Executive Council Chairperson

While our contract expires December 31, we’re not done – let’s keep up the fight!

We are WSNA – Stay Engaged

• Stay informed - Read all WSNA communications and status updates
• Engage and Participate – Watch for important updates on how to support your Bargaining Team and fight for a Fair Contract
• Let your Bargaining Team know if you wish to be an Observer during negotiations. Next bargaining date TBD
• Join the monthly virtual Lunch & Learn – Next meeting November 5 at 12:05 pm – 12:55 pm
• Provide Input/Feedback to your Bargaining Team
• Make sure you check out your WSNA webpage: https://www.wsna.org/union/seattle-king-county-health-dept-supervisors

Your Bargaining Team,

Christopher Salatka, Local Unit Vice-Chair
Annie Roberts, Local Unit Secretary/Treasurer
Zerai Asgedom, Local Unit Grievance Officer

Questions? Contact your Bargaining Team Members or WSNA Nurse Rep Linda Burbank lburbank@wsna.org.