At the start of the day, we posted pictures in the negotiations room of our very successful rally. Thank you to all of the nurses who participated in our pre-rally sign making party and to those of you who were able to come to the rally.

Our actions are sending a clear message to management:

• Skagit RNs are passionate about providing the highest quality of care to the community we serve
• Skagit RNs take these negotiations seriously
• Skagit RNs expect a fair contract settlement that provides for safe staffing, retention and recruitment of quality nurses, and protects health and retirement benefits during the life of the contract

This was our first mediated session. Mediators work to settle a contract by identifying each sides’ positions on unsettled proposals/issues and looking for a path toward resolving those issues.

During our first session, we presented compelling arguments to the mediator in support of our position on unsettled issues. Our proposals would provide Skagit nurses with a stable and predictable work environment that will help retain and recruit nurses. Skagit nurses need safe staffing, better wages, and predictable health care and retirement benefits. Our question now is – why WON’T Skagit management support their nurses and their community?

We will return to negotiations with our mediator at the end of February. In the meantime, we must continue to demonstrate unity and solidarity. Our rally at the Skagit Courthouse included nurses from our hospital, local firefighters, community members and nurses from Bellingham, Sedro Woolley, Children’s and Kirkland hospitals, demonstrating solidarity and standing united with us in our fight for a fair contract. We must continue to show that we are firm in our convictions and support each other as we continue these negotiations. We must ALL be visible in our support!

Right now we are asking you for extra diligence in completing the Nurse Staffing Concern (previously ADO) forms to document staffing issues. Fill them out and turn them in to your supervisor and WSNA officers. Please also be in communication with your CAST (contract action support team) members as well as all of us (negotiation team members) with any questions or concerns you may have. Again, a special thank you to all who helped with the rally and a reminder that we will continue to ask you to demonstrate your commitment to the community and each other as we work toward settling a fair contract.

Together in unity,

Your WSNA Negotiation Team: Peter Moore (MPC), Alyssa Stirpe (Stanwood), Randi Dykstra (Case Management), Rachel Yates (MPC), Liz Rainaud (FBC), Alice Riddle (IV Therapy) and Jessica Knutzen (Float Pool)

Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Sue Dunlap at sdunlalp@wsna.org for any questions.