We’re turning up the heat!

Last week, we faced management for sessions 8 and 9 of negotiations. And with a powerful majority of nurses standing firm on the picket pledge, it seems management is feeling the pressure. While we are seeing some movement on management’s part to get closer to an agreement, we are certainly not done.

We are not close on meals and rest breaks, staffing, call, and other important issues – we need a Contract that respects, values, and supports current Joe’s RNs as well as draws in new RNs.

Informational Picket – Friday, November 1, 2024

We’ve been clear since day one: safe staffing, competitive wages, and a secure workplace are fundamental. This Friday, we’re proving just how serious we are—together.

Picket Schedule

6:30 – 9:00 am: We’ll congregate at J and 19th – come out on your break or stay after work. Coffee and donuts provided!

11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Grab your signs for the second wave. We’ll rally at 11:30 am – nurses, community & labor leaders, legislators, and other supporters will join us.

Bring everyone—family, friends, kids, and dogs are all welcome! And show us your creative side: bring your best picket sign! Two winners with the most creative signs will each receive a $50 Michael’s gift card. Send pictures of your picket sign to sjmc@wsna.org to be entered into the contest!

If you’re working on Friday, come before or after your shift, and during your meal break. If you’re denied a meal break on picket day, make sure to fill out an ADO stating that!

If you’re out of town on picket day, make sure to wear your WSNA shirt and send in pictures of you standing strong with St. Joe’s nurses wherever you are!

Sign Making Parties

Our next sign making parties will be on Tuesday, 10/29 at the Rainer Olympic Nurses Association from 0900-1300, and on 10/31 at the Red Elm Cafe Community Space from 1200-1500. We’ll provide signs, markers, glitter, and anything else you might need to create an amazing sign! Kids are also welcome and encouraged to make a sign of their own at both sign making events!

Bargaining Updates
Wages

On Wednesday, we delivered a package proposal covering wages, premiums, and some other issues (a “package” proposal means that management can accept everything, or nothing, but can’t pick and choose):

Year 1: a 5.5% plus $2.50/hour increase at each step.
Year 2: 6% increase.
Year 3: 5% increase.

SJMC nurses emphasized shift differentials and weekend premium in bargaining surveys, and we’re holding strong. We have refused to back down from the historic injustice of the Hospital crediting only 50% time for internationally experienced nurses for wage scale placement.

On Thursday, management responded with some movement, proposing in a package:

A 4.5% increase in the first year, followed by 3.5% increases each of the next two years.

Management also proposed some premium increases, and came closer on the Racial Justice Committee, as well as on a dedicated weekend shift. We are hoping to bridge the gap on Wednesday, if that’s possible.

Next Bargaining Date is 10/30 at FESC - Come Observe!

Currently, we only have one more bargaining date scheduled. We will be meeting with management at the FESC building and encourage every nurse to come and observe. This is the last session before the contract expires – it is critical that as many nurses as possible show up for a few hours and hold management accountable!

Send an email to sjmc@wsna.org or text 206-553-9794 if you want to come observe. It’s going to be a good one!

Stay in the loop – make sure your contact info is up to date!

If you haven’t been receiving these WSNA email updates, make sure your contact information is up to date in our system. First, check your junk and spam folders to see if the updates are going there. If you still can’t find the updates, click on this link to update your contact information on our website. It’s critical that we have good home email addresses for everyone before we (eventually) ratify our Contract!

And speaking of pickets – we stand in solidarity with our coworkers at SEIU1199 also fighting for a fair contract! We were honored to speak at their informational picket last week about the importance of recruiting and retaining nursing staff that allow the hospital to run smoothly. 

Contact Nurse Rep Jared Richardson at jrichardson@wsna.org, 206-741-3608 or Organizer Grace at 206-553.9794.

In solidarity,
Your WSNA Officers and Negotiating Team
Emily Nollmeyer, local unit Co-Chair, Labor and Delivery, day shift
Carina Price, local unit Co-Chair, ICU, night shift
Matthew McGuire, Treasurer/Grievance officer, ED, day shift
Shelly Mead, Grievance officer, ED, day shift
Yunna Flenord, Grievance officer, ICU, night shift
Teresa Kindell, Membership Coordinator, 2S, day shift
Shannon Suchland, Secretary, Walter's OR, day shift
Sally Budack, Co-Secretary, SADU, day shift
Jessica Lenczycki, negotiating team member, Labor and Delivery, night shift
Kate Frazier, negotiating team member, 7^th floor, night shift
Sarah Guillen, negotiating team member, EP, day shift
Kat Jabasa, negotiating team member, Main OR, day shift