Thank you so much to all who participated in the local unit meeting on July 11. We had a terrific turnout and we can tell you were busy chatting with your co-workers about the priority issues. This is just a snapshot of a few of the supporters that showed up to negotiations on July 19 to show management that we are united, stand together and mean business! And it had a huge effect!

Before the end of the day, we saw some significant movement from management on a few very key issues. We are still far apart on the economics, but management has listened in particular to the problems with their per diem demands and have conceded in some of their take-aways. We would never have seen movement at all without the support of all the nurses.

We are extending an ask for everyone to continue to “button up” and wear your WSNA buttons to show support for a fair contract. Do not under estimate your power to influence change! Management notes how many people are wearing buttons, they noted how many people attended the information meetings and they noted the support by being a presence at the negotiation meetings. You propelled their movement on key issues! Again, nothing can be accomplished alone but together we are strong! If you are able, plan to attend our next general negotiations session on August 16 at the HEC.

Please continue to fill out any staffing concern forms as these are also capturing attention at the negotiations table as well as within the staffing committee. Summer is particularly challenging to bring everyone together, as family vacations are too numerous to count, but a special thank you and appreciation goes to our negotiation team members as they have come in on their days off and on vacation days, spending time at the table without compensation to advocate for the best contract for all of us.

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.