Yesterday we had our first bargaining session with the County. You can ‘meet your bargaining team’ below. WSNA and the County did not exchange substantive proposals, but instead engaged in conversation and sought information on a number of topics, including:

1. Wages & longevity steps
2. Reduction in Force, Layoff & Recall language
3. Workplace violence & workplace safety
4. Parking
5. Telecommuting
6. The County’s plans to pursue funding for public health clinics through the “Harborview option”

Prior to meeting, WSNA and the County completed the work of the Longevity Steps Working Committee, per Addendum D in the contract.  This work could inform wage proposals we may make.

WSNA inquired about the County’s plan regarding the public health clinics and the “Harborview option”. We asked for transparency and clear communication around any plans impacting WSNA members. The County expressed a commitment to sharing information as it becomes available.

As you may have heard, the County proposed a 1-year extension of the Coalition Labor Agreement (CLA). It is our understanding that the Coalition unions will put it to a vote of their members by July 15. Although WSNA is not a party to the CLA, we are paying close attention to what is taking place. The County has not made the same proposal to WSNA.

Next steps

• Bargaining dates TBD (we anticipate dates at the end of June and in mid and late July)
• WSNA Organizer Zachery Seikel and your local unit officers are planning a Nurses Celebration for the bargaining unit in the latter part of July

Call to Action

• Stay informed - Read all WSNA communications and status updates from the employer
• Engage and participate – Watch for important updates on how to support your bargaining team and fight for a fair contract
• Join the monthly virtual Lunch & Learn – Next meeting July 3 at 12:05 pm – 12:55 pm
• Join the monthly Save Public Health member meeting (hosted by Protec17 – supported by WSNA) – Next meeting July 2 at noon – 1 pm (link on this page)
• Provide input/feedback to your bargaining team
• Follow on social media platforms

Meet your Bargaining Team

• Nicole Klein is your Local Unit Chair. She served as your Co-Chair during the last Contract term. She is a Supervisor at Auburn and Federal Way Public Health - Sexual and Reproductive Health (CHS). Nicole enjoys gardening and reading about ancient history. Kleinnj@comcast.net
• Christopher Salatka is your Local Unit Vice-Chair. He is a Supervisor in Jail Health Services – Maleng Regional Justice Center. Christopher enjoys long walks and runs and long bike rides. Topher.salatka@gmail.com
• Annie Roberts is your Local Unit Secretary/Treasurer. She is a Supervisor at Downtown Public Health – Nurse Family Partnership (CHS). Annie enjoys biking, hiking and being outdoors with her family. Annieandtesfay@gmail.com
• Zerai Asgedom is your Local Unit Grievance Officer. He is a Supervisor in Jail Health Services – King County Correctional Facility. Zerai enjoys long distance road bike riding and is a big soccer fan. ‘Go Sounders!’ Zereay2543@yahoo.com
• Kristen Kussmann, WSNA Chief Negotiator and Labor Counsel
• Linda Burbank, WSNA Nurse Representative

In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Nicole Klein, Local Unit Chair
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 Representative Linda Burbank lburbank@wsna.org