Last Thursday, we met with Management for our third bargaining session. Although the County has provided some responses to our information requests, there are still a number of significant items that are outstanding. This has interfered with WSNA’s ability to move forward on important proposals. That said, on Thursday we were able to:

• Confirm the status of many information request items
• Obtain answers to our questions about the County’s previous proposals
• Present additional proposals on non-economics

Your bargaining team recognizes bargaining priorities articulated by you, including retaining public health nurses as County employees to maintain continuity of services, preventing erosion of bargaining unit work, evaluating step placement with an equitable lens, preserving Longevity Steps Working Committee work, parking, and telecommuting.

We return to the bargaining table on July 22 and 29.

WSNA wants to ensure that the County carries out its expressed equity, social justice, and anti-racism commitments. We raised at the bargaining table the importance of examining these commitments in connection with step placement per our contract. As you may know, the Seattle Times recently reported that Black women employed by the County report lower pay and discrimination.

Coalition Labor Agreement (CLA) Extension Update

As you may know, the County Coalition of Unions recently voted on a one-year extension of their CBAs, including a 5.5% general wage increase and changes to health insurance benefits. The extension was ratified. WSNA is reviewing the details of the final agreement. Just to reiterate, WSNA is not a party to the CLA or a part of the Coalition. However, the Coalition agreement may impact our bargaining approach.

Status of ‘Harborview Option’

The County is pursuing an option to fund public health clinics through funding for UW Harborview Medical Center (HMC). This is being referred to as the “Harborview Option.” WSNA received updates at the Level One Meeting between County Leadership and the Labor Unions yesterday. Dr. Khan provided the final Strategic Plan document. Today there will be a lunch and ceremony that will include County Executive Dow Constantine, Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, Labor Unions and community members. In the meeting, Dr. Khan summarized some limited updates:

• Decisions related to the division of the ‘public hospital tax’ pertaining to the CHS Clinics will not occur until ‘Fall of 2024’, after the budget is submitted
• County Executives and UW/HMC Leadership continue to meet – no major updates expected before October 2024
• As far as updates on affiliation with UW HMC, Dr. Khan reported, ‘we have no idea’
• The County will continue to develop a 1-year budget for 2025
• There will be onsite visits to discuss the work of the clinics, metrics, report outs and questions

 Reminder - Save the Date for your FREE Dinner Celebration

‘Nursing Celebration and Bargaining Update for the Public Health Seattle King County Supervisors’

• 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 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 & Learn – Next meeting August 7 at 12:05 pm – 12:55 pm
• Join the monthly Save Public Health member meeting (hosted by Protec17 – supported by WSNA) – Next meeting August 6 at noon – 1 pm
• 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