On our third day of bargaining, Skyline came to us with a comprehensive written package proposal.

We were far from impressed with Skyline's wage proposal:
5% in year one and 3% in years two and three.

As you may recall from our last update, WSNA proposed at our last session to bring your wages in year one to the average of what we consider competitive 2024 comparable nurse wages ("comps") and seek strong increases in years 2 and 3. Skyline's proposal on wages is below what you deserve and are asking for – we know that.

We reminded Skyline of the data presented at our last session regarding the high cost of housing in the Hood River/White Salmon area and that you are behind the market pay rates. Skyline explained the "comps" they used, which are predominantly from hospitals located in areas with much lower living costs.

We want to hear from you. What is the impact of Skyline’s wage proposal on you?

WSNA's researcher Ian Mikusko presented his research into Skyline's financial picture, which is not bad, particularly compared to other hospitals. He also explained the costs to Skyline of travelers. We explained that money should be invested in its WSNA nurses, not more expensive travelers.

At the end of the day, we presented a counter proposal that came down on what we are asking for on wages but is still framed around comps. Our next bargaining date is June 26.

We need your help to take action to secure a fair and strong contract and have multiple opportunities for you to be involved. To be successful, we need everyone showing up and speaking up.

1 – Join us NEXT TUESDAY June 18 for a Local Unit Meeting 

Join us to discuss where we are at in bargaining. It is crucial to have your input and for the team to let you know all the details and what we need from you to back us up. We will have members of the bargaining team and Nurse Rep Bret in person, and our lead negotiator Kristen will join via Teams. 

Time: 5:30 – 8:30 pm Tuesday June 18 
Where:  
The Society Hotel 
405 E Franklin St, Bingen, WA 98605 

2 - We need you to help spread the word in the surrounding community: 

Support WSNA Skyline nurses for a fair contract that attracts and keeps nurses by allowing them to afford to stay and live in the community they care for.

Join us at the White Salmon Farmers Market:

Tuesday, June 25, from 4 – 7 pm 
Tuesday, July 2, from 4 – 7 pm 

3 - We need nurses to observe at our next session - Wednesday June 26 

Bargaining Observers – This contract concerns all WSNA RNs; we invite you to observe and be there in the room with us. Contact local unit officers or WSNA Nurse Organizer Ryan Rosenkranz at rrosenkranz@wsna.org for more information and to RSVP.

If you can't come at 10 am or are working and have a break and want to meet with the team, reach out, and we will work to get you in. 

We will all meet 15 minutes early in the parking lot in front of the Emergency Room entrance at 5:45 pm. 

If you want to get involved, give feedback, or have any questions contact your bargaining team, or Nurse Representative Bret Percival at BPercival@wsan.org or 206-471-0876, or Nurse Organizer Ryan Rosenkranz at rrosenkranz@wsna.org or 206-867-4627.

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