While we’re at the table focusing on attracting and retaining nurses, the Hospital spent its time creating divisive proposals and otherwise stubbornly refusing to change antiquated contract language that holds Skagit back in the employment stone age. Once again however, it is plain to see that the Hospital is not about valuing their committed RNs and is not about providing equity to their employees despite their lip service that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are integral parts of Skagit’s culture and approach.

On Thursday, we proposed the balance of our compensation proposal. To eradicate a system of wage inequity that hospitals relied on when nursing was a “pink collar” profession, we made the bold proposals of 1) getting rid of the “hours” system (where you have to work 1664 hours or twelve months – whichever comes last) before you move to the next step on the wage scale, and 2) providing a year for year credit for each year of RN licensure. That is, we proposed jettisoning Skagit’s Byzantine process of assigning half-month and quarter-month (!) credits for previous RN experience. Many hospitals are changing these types of pay systems, realizing that these systems not only jeopardize their efforts to retain nurses (because, if you’ve worked 10 years as a 0.6 FTE but only have 7.5 years credit at Skagit, but could go to numerous other hospitals and be put at the 10 year step, then….?) but that these partial-pay schemes perpetuate wage inequities.

Skagit instead doubled down on wage inequities by proposing that *new* hire RNs be given partial credit for time worked as an LPN or paramedic. While credit for relevant past work is not a bad idea (our proposal, for example), giving it to newly hired nurses but not existing nurses surely is. It’s divisive, half-baked, and perpetuates inequities. Even if Skagit gave LPN/paramedic credit to all RNs, this is not nearly enough to make a meaningful difference given how far behind area hospitals Skagit is.

Last week, we proposed our wage proposal; Thursday, we proposed higher rates for charge nurses, float pool nurses, and advanced degrees. We proposed shift differential language that tracks PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s and United General: 11% of the wage scale base rate for p.m. shift, and 19% of the wage scale base rate for noc. This way, the shift differentials increase every time the wage scale does. We also proposed new language addressing the situation when nurses have call shifts after their regular worked shift and are held over for procedures so that they now will be compensated fairly.

Let’s Talk About ESI

Well over a year and a half ago, Management proposed an ESI Agreement that gave nurses extra pay for picking up extra shifts. Of course, it’s Management’s job to staff the hospital. That ESI Agreement was amended and improved and renewed multiple times in the past. It was *Management’s* choice to not renew that Agreement shortly before negotiations started. We know all too well that many nurses have been relying on ESI to cobble together a living wage because Skagit’s wages are so low. Since Management allowed the ESI Agreement to expire, it’s had a rough time getting nurses to pick up extra shifts and has been relying on emotional manipulation (“your coworkers need you!”) and pleading helplessness (“we can’t offer any more!”). Let’s be crystal clear about this: it’s Management’s duty to staff the hospital and Management can choose to re-up the ESI Agreement and – here’s a novel idea – actually pay nurses enough so that they want to – they can afford to – work at Skagit. It’s time for Skagit to get serious.

Are You a WSNA Member?

In discussions with various nurses throughout the organization, it is clear that many nurses are of the opinion that they are already WSNA members and are shocked to find out they are not!  Have a conversation with your co-workers by simply asking them if they’re a member and inviting them to join WSNA.  An email to membership@wsna.org will allow a nurse to verify their membership status, receive information on benefits of membership plus answer any other questions they may have. The membership application form can be completed online now.

Picture 1 - Baldeep Sangha and Krissy Fagan from MVSC
Picture 2 - Shelby Rodriguez and Brita Borg   MVSC

Stay Current!

Negotiating team members will be in the cafeteria at the hospital from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.   We will have placards to write on and selfies to take.  Our plan is to have a collage of photos on display behind the team to show support at the next session.  Please come and chat, bring questions, pick up swag, offer a word of encouragement to your team during this time frame!  (*NB* Bonus…  weather permitting there may be a VERY furry therapy pet available for cuddles and purrs and photo ops)

The participation of all Skagit RNs is absolutely critical to winning a fair contract that truly reflects our value.

We have five more days of negotiations scheduled.  Come observe bargaining and see how a contract is negotiated. Reach out to Organizer Crystal Doll or Nurse Representative Sue Dunlap (info below) with the date you’re interested in joining and they will provide you with the details.

Thursday April 25 – The Skagit Casino

Monday May 6 – The Hampton Inn Burlington

Friday May 17 – The Skagit Casino

Friday May 24 – The Hampton Inn Burlington

Tuesday May 28   - The Hampton Inn Burlington

Picture - Kelsey Grant and Amanda Duperron from Urgent Care

Sip ‘N Chat

These virtual drop-in meetings will continue through negotiations every Thursday from 6 pm to 7 pm.  Since last session and the next session will be held on a Thursday, attending this ensures you will be the FIRST to receive updates on how the session went.  The link remains the same but everyone should also receive a text message with an invite the day of the event as a reminder and to include the log in link.

Lastly, please check out our Facebook group as well as our Instagram account for additional updates. You may search for postings using #skagitrn as well.  If you are savvy in social media and would like to help admin these accounts, reach out to Nurse Rep Sue Dunlap.

Our colleagues at PeaceHealth Southwest had an information picket yesterday while we were in negotiations however your team was sure to send a photo showing our WSNA sisters and brothers we stand with them as they also fight for fair wages and a fair contract!  Leadership would like to erode nurses’ power, but we will NOT let that happen!

Our power is in standing together.

In solidarity,
The bargaining team
Liz Rainaud, FBC, Co-Chair; Jessica Magner, Urgent Care, Co-Chair; Rachel Yates, UC, Treasurer; Kim McCann, FBC, Membership; Kyla Malean, OR; Lacey Bernick, PERI-OP

Questions or comments, contact Nurse Representative Sue Dunlap at sdunlap@wsna.org or 425.263.0522 or Organizer Crystal Doll at cdoll@wsna.org.