We met with management for our second bargaining session on June 27. Your bargaining team is ready to move the needle forward. Unfortunately, the County has not yet responded to a significant number of our requests for information in order to formulate bargaining proposals. We discussed these requests, including our request about wage placement for new hires.
WSNA and the County exchanged non-economic proposals. We made the following proposals:

• A proposal on the “Harborview option” for funding public health clinics, maintaining those employees as County employees
• A proposal on sick leave to align with the new state law expanding “family member” definition and clarifying sick leave may be used supplemental to WA PFML
• A proposal on workplace violence
• A proposal on 3.1 to preserve nurse supervisor work

The County proposed on several non-economic subjects including proposals related to RIF/Layoff/Recall language, and the grievance procedure.

Transparency is a MUST!

Your bargaining team is committed to being as transparent as possible during this process. We are aware that the County has shared information that has caused confusion. In an effort to ensure you are ‘in the know’, this team will provide you with timely communications, relevant updates, be available for questions and coordinate meetings as needed. If you have ideas about other ways to share information, do not hesitate to reach out.

Status of ‘Harborview Option’

What is happening with the ‘Harborview Option’? Unfortunately, the County did not provide significant updates as discussed at the last bargaining session. The bargaining team has made it clear that we expect transparency and timely information-sharing for WSNA members. The County agreed to follow up, prior to the next session if possible. Additionally, we have requested a seat at the table to be a part of the conversations that are taking place regarding changes that will impact WSNA members.

Coalition CLA Extension Update

As many of you know, the County proposed a 1-year extension (roll over) of the Coalition Labor Agreement (CLA) to the Coalition. We understand Coalition members will have their final ratification vote on July 2. The Coalition will communicate the results of the vote to the County by mid-July. Although WSNA is not a party to the CLA or a part of the Coalition, the outcome of this vote may help inform some of our next steps. For more information, see this Coalition FAQ.

Save the date for a nursing celebration and bargaining update for the Public Health Seattle King County Supervisors

It’s a great time to get together and connect. Come out on July 25 and get important bargaining updates. We are looking forward to enjoying good food and great company!

• When: July 25 at 6 pm
• Where: Azteca restaurant in Tukwila (easy parking and accessibility)
• RSVP via email or via text message response

Call to Action and Next Steps

• Mark your calendar for upcoming bargaining dates – July 11, July 22, and July 29 – let us know if you’d like to come observe
• 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 and 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 from noon – 1pm.
• Provide input/feedback to your bargaining team
• Follow on social media platforms

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