We started off our day of bargaining on June 26 with a presentation from Skyline’s accountant about the financial state of the hospital. This followed a previous presentation by WSNA’s researcher that concluded Skyline’s financial situation is not bad. We asked a lot of questions and pointed out again that Skyline spent about $1 million on traveler RNs in 2023, and continues to use travelers (about four), paying them significantly more than WSNA-represented nurses.

Skyline management then presented their latest “package” proposal. We have reached agreement on or are not far off on a number of subjects, including increasing the weekend premium, requiring travelers/agency nurses be low censused first after volunteers, updating sick leave language to comply with Washington law, and sick leave conversion to incentivize saving sick leave where possible. However, a significant gap remains on wages. Skyline’s June 26 proposal on wages is for a 6.5% increase in year one, 4% in year two, and 3% in year three. This is still unacceptable.

At the end of the day, we presented a counter proposal, including the same wages in year one that we proposed last time, and 4.5% in years two and three. We held the line on issues like shift differential, the hospital staffing committee, and limiting standby/call hours. Our year one proposal would condense the wage scale and bring us roughly in line with Ocean Beach’s wages. We made the point to Skyline that – based on their own data – WSNA-represented nurses cost less to the Hospital than travelers do.

Two observers joined us throughout the day (thank you!). One of them shared with management that she will seriously consider leaving Skyline if there is not a significant wage increase to allow her to live in this community.

You may know that our contract expires at the end of this month. Skyline is required to maintain the current terms and conditions in the contract for at least a year post-expiration. It is not uncommon for a union to not reach agreement on a new contract until after the previous one expires.

Next steps... Help us build at Skyline!

We do not plan to accept Skyline’s wage proposal, but we need YOUR help in pushing back. YOU ARE WSNA! Here are actions you can take:

• Attend our in person Sip N Chat at Everbody's on Monday July 1 from 1730-2030 to hear more about contract negotiations and how you can take action
• Circulate our community petition by asking your neighbors and community members to sign in support of Skyline Nurses! (We will have signature sheets at the Sip N Chat or contact a negotiating team member.)
• Attend the White Salmon Famer's Market on July 2 between 1600-1900 and help hand out flyers to locals, vendors and businesses to keep the community in the loop! (Stay tuned for other opportunities.)
• Write a letter to management/board of commissioners about how low wages will influence you and your future at Skyline as a nurse (talk to Erin Howland for more details)

Here are future actions we are planning:

• Talking to locals and handing out flyers informing your community about the need for a fair contract every chance you get! 4^th of July Parade! Sport events! Skate nights! Night markets or other gatherings... Get creative!
• We have a Board of Commissioners meeting coming up on July 23. We are going to need 5-10 people to attend to present our community petition and letters to the Board.
• Yard signs are in the plans! Think about high traffic areas and places they can be put in the community.

If you have any questions, you can reach out to Nurse Rep Bret Percival (bpercival@wsna.org).

In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team

Gena Martinez - Same Day Surgery – Chair 
Laurie Smith - Med Surg/ED – Vice Chair 
Britton Baker – ED - Secretary/Treasurer 
Susan Rowe - Acute Care -Grievance Officer 
Erin Howland – Med Surg/ED – Membership Officer