On March 2, WSNA and Seattle King County met for the fifth day of negotiations. WSNA made several substantive proposals that will help recruit and retain nurses and will value the commitment our nurses have made to Seattle King County and to the community. Among other things, we have proposed significant wage increases, expanded steps, and increased recognition for past experience. We believe that these measures are necessary to ensure that we have a full complement of qualified, dedicated and respected nurses to serve our community.

The County is offering a 4% wage increase in 2023 and a 4% wage increase in 2024. Meanwhile, area employers have agreed to much higher wage increases for their nurses. The County’s low offer will make employment with the County less attractive for nurses who have many other employment options.

The County’s proposals also reflect a concern about staffing levels. However, its approach to these negotiations is to ask more from nurses rather than to find ways to support nurses. For example, the County has proposed to take away much needed educational opportunities because of staffing coverage.

The County has also told us that it intends to make proposals that would allow management to change nurses’ schedules on very short notice for operational needs. Rather than asking more from our nurses, the County should be finding more ways to recruit, retain and value our nurses.

We have had Seattle King County’s back. Now it is time to have OUR backs.

Local Unit Meeting – Planning session for meeting with Dr. Khan
Date: March 15
Time: 7 pm – 8:30 pm Location: TEAMS (virtually)
Contact your nurse representative or officers for a meeting link.

Actions to take:

1. By all nurses signing the petition, it’s an outward sign to management that we are UNITED and ONE. Sign the petition (This started with the staff and has “Staff” in the language, but we ask all supervisors to sign and stand united for nursing and a fair contract for all.).
2. Take pictures with “We took care of you. You take care of us” or “Benefits don’t pay the bills.” Signs

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact one of the local unit officers or contact WSNA Nurse Representative Bret Percival at bpercival@wsna.org or by phone at 206-471-0876.

In solidarity,
Nicole Klein, Co-Chair
Sean Dumas, Co-Chair
Louise Peterson, Secretary/Treasurer