With all the changes that are taking place, your input and engagement are essential and very much appreciated. Please take a few minutes to read about current and upcoming events.

Save Public Health Campaign

WSNA has joined the coalition with Labor and Community leaders to fight to save public health in King County. This collaboration is in addition to WSNA’s ongoing advocacy for our members in public health. Currently, there are various activities taking place:

1. WSNA is meeting regularly to strategize our work around funding and saving public health;
2. The Governmental Affairs department is highly engaged in legislative efforts to achieve this goal;
3. A petition is being circulated in support of these efforts;
4. WSNA regularly attends meetings with King County regarding actions or changes that impact our members; and
5. WSNA has filed a Grievance related King County’s recent RFI and the potential to outsource bargaining unit work.

Review the flyer and petition.

Longevity Steps Working Committee

According to your Contract:
Longevity Steps - Working Committee: During the life of the CBA the parties will convene to study this issue for the purpose of trying to align the Employer’s wage schedule with industry standard steps. The result of this work is intended to become the foundation for the parties’ next contract negotiations.

We met with King County on March 11, 2024, to initiate this process. The next meeting is scheduled for March 27. At that time, WSNA will be presenting information with the support of WSNA Strategic Researcher, Ian Mikusko. Updates to come.

Contract Negotiations

It is time to gear up for contract negotiations. Please see details below:

1. Bargaining is anticipated to begin early this summer.
2. We ask that each and every one of you complete the Survey that will be sent out early April.
3. Survey results will help define bargaining unit priorities and proposals; and
4. We invite you to reach out with questions or feedback.

VEBA Lunch and Learns will be available during the month of April on Wednesdays from noon  – 12:30 p.m.

April VEBA Lunch and Learn

VEBA can be a valuable benefit in retirement.

A VEBA plan is a great way to help King County employees save money for various out-of-pocket expenses during retirement!

Do you know the advantages of contributing to a VEBA account?

Pay zero tax on contributions, investment earnings (if any), and reimbursements (claims)

Can be used to cover retiree medical premiums before and after age 65, including Medicare supplement and Medicare Part D premiums.

• No annual “use-it-or-lose-it” requirement; unused account balance carries over from year to year.
• VEBA is tax-free and last longer than tax-deferred investments.
• Spouses and qualified dependents are also covered.
• Easy to use.
• Get your money fast.

Want to learn more?

We’ve coordinated with our VEBA administrator, Gallagher, to offer Lunch & Learn sessions each Wednesday in April from 12:00-12:30 p.m.  Pick a Wednesday that works for you and come ready to learn about the VEBA program and ask any questions you may have.

Resources

• HRA VEBA Plan Benefits Guide
• www.hraveba.org
• HRA VEBA Video Library

 Join on your computer, mobile app, or room device.
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 272 133 065 459
Passcode: ZUQocQ
Download Teams | Join on the web
Join with a video conferencing device
gallagher@m.webex.com
Video Conference ID: 118 279 502 6
Alternate VTC instructions
Or call in (audio only)
+1 331-256-5069,,823313731#   United States, Aurora
Phone Conference ID: 823 313 731#

Access to your Contract

https://www.wsna.org/union/seattle-king-county-health-dept-supervisors

Lunch and Learn

Join the next virtual Lunch and Learn for updates on April 3 at 12:05 p.m.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your Local Unit Officers or WSNA Nurse Representative, Linda Burbank, at lburbank@wsna.org or via telephone at (206) 575-7979 ext. 3131.