We met for session number eight with management on Friday, May 17, and were pleased to welcome supporters and co-workers to this session. There were several developments. First, management has listened to all of us and acknowledges the significant pain that we are all having with obtaining education reimbursement! They are actively looking into options to improve the situation, so please stay tuned for more coming on this important issue.

We were able to exchange proposals on per diem nurses and scheduling and spent considerable time discussing on-call reimbursement issues. We are still far apart on these issues, but management is making some movement. Management is also still demanding we give up our Extended Illness Benefits.

We are vigorously planning for our next sessions scheduled for June 17 and June 19 at a location still to be determined. Both sides are at the place now where we are working on comprehensive proposals in a strong effort to reach an agreement. Please watch your emails carefully for communication from your leadership team as we approach these dates, as we may be asking for your help in supporting and advocating for a fair contract, particularly at these next sessions.

As a fun activity during this session, your leadership team drew the names of nurse members for the gift card prizes that were discussed for our Nurses Week celebration. We have 50 names to announce as winners of the drawing, so be on the lookout for the announcements of the winners, congratulations to the winners and a heartfelt appreciative thank you to everyone for the excellent care provided to the community members of St. Joseph’s - Bellingham.

In solidarity,
Sarah M. Newell, RN Local Unit Chair
Geraldine R. Falacy, RN Secretary
Michelle Leidal, RN Treasurer
Rhonda L. Tull, RN Grievance Officer
Susannah P. Ribeiro, RN Co-Communication Officer
Laura A. Bayes, RN Co- Membership Coordinator
Arlene L. Copps, RN Co- Membership Coordinator
Tracy E. Pullar, RNC Safety Officer

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Sue Dunlap, MSN, RN, COS-C at sdunlap@wsna.org.