First, we want to express our sadness, concern, and anger over VM’s decision to close the FBC at VM.  We believe this is a short-sighted decision that will have a devastating impact on our community that depends on this vital service and makes clear that VM’s priority is bottom line over “humankindness.” Cutting back on beginning of life services and pregnant people is part of a disturbing trend in healthcare in Washington State.

We understand there is a tremendous amount of uncertainty among all of you about your immediate future and many questions about the process moving forward in the upcoming weeks.  WSNA officers and staff are reviewing VM’s communications, our contract, and the law in light of VM’s sudden announcement. The contract does outline the basics of the layoff process, and we will be bargaining with VM over the impact of its decision (assuming we agree that this is a lawful decision), including severance and other issues. WSNA officers and your nurse rep will be hosting virtual meetings next week to walk affected nurses through the process as well as to answer your other questions and to hear your concerns.

While the old contract is still posted on the WSNA website, the layoff language remains unchanged in the new contract and you can view that information here:  https://cdn.wsna.org/assets/local-unit-assets/virginia-mason-medical-center/Virginia-Mason-CBA-2021-2023-2.pdf  The layoff language starts at Article 6.3-6.6.

We are looking at the week of October 14 to bargain with management. We understand nurses have asked management about such subjects as severance packages, positions both inside the hospital and outside at other VMFH facilities, etc.; these are topics that management must discuss in bargaining, and not, by law, with individual nurses. Please try to attend the virtual meetings – your voice is critical and we need to hear what you are facing in terms of difficulties and concerns in the process so that we can best represent you at the table.

We are planning more actions to honor nurses and to focus attention on what VM’s abrupt decision means for our patients and our community.  Stay tuned for details.

Join us for virtual meetings for FBC nurses – you are welcome to join both sessions. The same information will be presented however, there will be time allotted for discussion and questions.

DATE:  Wednesday, October 9

TIMES:  5– 6 pm  and/or 8– 9 pm

MEETING LINK:

Join the meeting now 
Meeting ID: 228 855 353 864 
Passcode: Wcc8JZ

Dial in by phone 
+1 206-485-2614,,39517342# United States, Seattle 
(888) 313-0615,,39517342# United States (Toll-free) 
Find a local number 
Phone conference ID: 395 173 42#

Questions, comments or concerns? Please contact one of your local unit officers or Nurse Representative, Sara Frey at sfrey@wsna.org.

In solidarity,
Chair - Hannah Collins-Lewis
Vice Chair - Michael Salters
Secretary - Kimberly Travis-Carter
Grievance Officer - Donna Watts
Grievance Officer - Kim Adekoya