Minute-to-minute timekeeping MOU passes

The hospital announced last year that it will be moving from a pay practice of “rounding” to "actual timekeeping."  The hospital has not identified a date for implementation. As a result of this upcoming change, your WSNA officers bargained over the effects of this new method of timekeeping. The result of this week's MOU vote was a "YES."  You can find the MOU posted at  https://www.wsna.org/union/virginia-mason-medical-center/document-library

This MOU outlines some of the rules around the change such as how much time is allowed for donning and doffing for OR and other staff who must change into scrubs  (8 minutes on each side of the shift, up to 16 minutes total) , incidental over and under time clocking, shift differential, etc. When the hospital does implement this system, please be sure to contact your nurse rep if you are experiencing any difficulties.

Upcoming arbitrations

We are approaching arbitration dates in April for several grievances that have to do with staffing at the hospital. We have several arbitrations that will be heard related to charge nurses - charge nurses taking assignments and use of charge nurses to cover breaks and meals. Once the arbitration hearing takes place, briefs will be submitted to the arbitrator.  The arbitrator will subsequently issue a decision. This process generally takes several months to complete.

Other grievances

Pay Issues - There have been a number of grievances related to pay issues at VM. Nurses should always carefully review their paychecks for any errors.  If you experience a pay issue and are having difficulty getting a response from HR or payroll, please reach out to WSNA ASAP for assistance.

FAIRE Training - WSNA filed a grievance following VM's announcement that the FAIRE training will be moved to Tacoma.  WSNA believes it is impermissible for the hospital to move the training to another city, away from the VM campus. The first grievance meeting, at step 2, was held this week and we are waiting on VM's response.  In the meantime, you should complete your training if it is required. WSNA also believes the hospital MUST pay you for your travel time and your mileage. If you take another mode of transportation, submit that for reimbursement. If you have any trouble being paid for the travel time or expenses, please contact WSNA ASAP.

Staffing 

Staffing shortages continue to be a problem at VM. Please continue to fill out ADO forms each and every time you work, and the unit is not staffed according to the staffing plan. ADOs can also be used for acuity issues, safety concerns/events, equipment problems, etc. Management cannot retaliate or intimidate any nurse for filling out an ADO. You should expect that your manager may have questions about the details, but communication should be respectful and professional. If you experience any negative impact from filling out an ADO, please contact one of your local unit officers or WSNA immediately.

New grievance officer! 

We would like to welcome Andrew Kelly from the CCU as a new WSNA grievance officer!!  Two of the grievance officers recently left VM and Andrew will be coming on board in a mid-term appointment to the position.

There are still a few spots available for the WSNA Convention!  Fantastic free opportunity! Space limited - It is Convention time! 

If you are interested, please contact your Local Unit Chair, Hannah Collins-Lewis at hcollinslewis@gmail.com.

More information can be found at https://www.wsna.org/union/virginia-mason-medical-center/update/fantastic-free-opportunity-space-limited-it-is-convention-time.

Questions? Concerns?  Please contact your WSNA rep, Sara Frey sfrey@wsna.org or one of your local unit officers.