We met with the County for our third bargaining session on April 11. It was a virtual meeting with both the Supervisors and Staff Nurses. The themes could be described as: frustrating, surprising and a need to remain steadfast in our bargaining unit priorities!

Still awaiting responses to our economic proposals

We were hopeful that the County would have had responses to our economic proposals. We set the stage for this in the Longevity Committee work in 2024 and have made 2 rounds of proposals thus far. Instead of coming to the table with a response to our economic proposals, the County came with an explanation related to the many stakeholders at the County that need to weigh in on negotiations. Your team is very cognizant that County preliminary budgets are due in May. The clock is ticking…

Rejection was also a theme

It was rather eye-opening to see the County reject our proposals to include language about the following:

• Safe staffing,
• Missed breaks, and
• Workplace violence that aligns with applicable laws.

The icing on this cake from the County was a proposal to end the reduced parking rate for KCCF nurses at Goat Hill. Your bargaining team stressed the value of this contractual benefit and how it was a huge satisfier for the nurses. Neither the adequacy and safety of public transportation, nor the proximity or cost of parking further away has improved since we ratified the last contract.  Your team stands firm that this parking benefit MUST continue.

Tentative Agreements (TAs) and Alignment

It wasn’t all gloom and doom. We achieved some minor TAs and learned we may be closer to each other on the following topics:

Updated purpose language with increased emphasis on equity

Bilingual premium expansion

Choice of leave to care for a qualified dependent

Mark your calendar - We return to the virtual bargaining table at 9 am on April 23.

Call to Action 

• Stay informed - Read all WSNA communications and status updates from the Employer
• Engage & 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
• Join the monthly virtual Lunch & Learn – Next meeting May 7 at 12:05 pm – 12:55 pm
• Mark your calendar for the upcoming Nurses Week Celebration on May 8
• Provide Input/Feedback to your bargaining team
• Follow on social media platforms
• Make sure you check out your WSNA webpage: https://www.wsna.org/union/seattle-king-county-health-dept-supervisors
• Watch for upcoming events https://www.wsna.org/calendar

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