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WSNA/ WDVA Coalition Bargaining Update Day 2
Posted Jun 18, 2024
Day 2 is done for Coalition Bargaining! We received responses back from the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and reviewed their proposed counters.
- WSNA submitted language on increasing per diem work requirements to include one holiday and an incentive of 15% when they work holidays and weekends.
- OFM countered with language that per diems would maintain availability of 3 shifts per week on 2 different shifts. Additionally, they can be scheduled for all shifts and must be available for at least 2 weekend shifts per month. OFM proposed all this with no proposal to increase the premiums for on-call nurses. WSNA rejected this proposal. On call employment is intermittent and sporadic in nature as is defined by the current CBA. WSNA does not see this language as a benefit to nurses.
- OFM countered with language that per diems would maintain availability of 3 shifts per week on 2 different shifts. Additionally, they can be scheduled for all shifts and must be available for at least 2 weekend shifts per month. OFM proposed all this with no proposal to increase the premiums for on-call nurses. WSNA rejected this proposal. On call employment is intermittent and sporadic in nature as is defined by the current CBA. WSNA does not see this language as a benefit to nurses.
- WSNA submitted language on scheduling of overtime that seeks to fill shift coverage with all classifications of nurses. We have heard in the past that full time nurses have agreed to cover open shifts at their overtime rate and shortly before the shift, it was removed and reassigned to agency nurses or per diem nurses. WSNA believes that any changes to assigned shifts should be made through mutual agreement.
- OFM countered our proposal and removed the language that says removal of assigned overtime shifts will be by mutual agreement only. We provided insight on this and are hopeful that OFM will come to an understanding of what we are trying to accomplish.
- OFM countered our proposal and removed the language that says removal of assigned overtime shifts will be by mutual agreement only. We provided insight on this and are hopeful that OFM will come to an understanding of what we are trying to accomplish.
- OFM was unable to engage on any proposals relating to wages or economics as they wait for the report for the forecast budget. OFM shared that they expect this report to come out June 26, 2024, and we will have more conversations in our next bargaining sessions.
- Some of our economic proposals include ATB raises of 10%, increased night and weekend differential, adding a premium for carrying the call-in phone, reimbursement for RN license renewals, and adding pay for nurses who hold specialty certifications.
Questions? Contact your WSNA Nurse Representatives! Our next day of bargaining is Thursday, June 20, at 9 am.
Laurie Robinson- Walla Walla Veterans Home- lrobinson@wsna.org
Alle Machorro- Spokane Veterans Home- amachorro@wsna.org
Janet Stewart- Washington Soldier’s Home and Washington Veterans Home-JStewart@wsna.org
Previous updates
WSNA/ WDVA Coalition Bargaining Update Day 1
Jun 10, 2024
Department of Veteran Affairs negotiations survey – Extended to March 18
Mar 07, 2024
Department of Veteran Affairs negotiations survey
Jan 29, 2024
WSNA/ WDVA Coalition Contract in Effect July 1, 2023
Jun 30, 2023
Congratulations to the newly elected officers!
Apr 11, 2023
Ballots are in the mail!
Mar 07, 2023
WSNA union news
Resources and tools
Document unsafe conditions
If you find yourself in a situation that you believe creates unsafe conditions for patients or for you, you should complete a Staffing Complaint / ADO Form as soon as possible.
By completing the form, you will help make the problem known to management, creating an opportunity for the problem to be addressed. Additionally, you will be documenting the facts, which may be helpful to you later if there is a negative outcome.
WSNA also uses your ADO forms to track the problems occurring in your facility. When you and your coworkers take the important step of filling out an ADO form, you are helping to identify whether there is a pattern of unsafe conditions for you or your patients at your facilities. This information is used by your conference committee, staffing committee, and WSNA labor staff to improve your working conditions.
Representation rights
As a union member, you have the right to have a representative present in any meetings with management that could potentially lead to disciplinary action against you.
If called into a meeting with management, read the following to management when the meeting begins:
If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, I respectfully request that my union representative be present at this meeting. Without representation present, I choose not to participate in this discussion.
Find out more about this crucial right and how to exercise it to ensure your fair treatment and protection.
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