Co-Chair
Nicole L. Miller
Officers
Co-Chair
Kai Rapaport
Treasurer
Lela C. Riherd
Grievance Officer
Julie A. McElroy
WSNA staff contact
WSNA staff contact
Tara Barnes, BSN, RN
Nurse Representative
Contract
Featured file
Latest update
Whatcom WSNA members vote "YES" to ratify the union contract!
Posted Nov 26, 2025
On November 25 and 26, WSNA conducted an electronic ratification vote for the successor agreement to the current contract. negotiated between WSNA and the employer.
Members voted "YES" by majority to accept the contract for the term of January 1, 2026-December 31, 2028.
Huge thanks to everyone that made voting a priority using the electronic ballot system. Please join in thanking your officers who put in time and effort to prepare for and participate in these negotiations!
The bargaining unit will be notified when this signed contract is posted as a link on your WSNA local unit webpage within the upcoming weeks.
Please be attuned to open enrollment information from the County in early December. Contact HR with questions specific to open enrollment for health benefits.
In negotiations, there are items both parties seek and will not agree. The substantial gains we did agree upon in the WSNA contract represent a win. We will have work to do as a local unit for appropriate implementation and enforcement of the new agreement. For your reference, the TA summary will remain available on your local unit webpage.
May each of you and your families be safe and well this holiday week!
In unity,
Nicole Miller WSNA co-chair
Kai Rapaport WSNA co-chair
Lela Riherd WSNA treasurer
Julie McElroy WSNA grievance officer
Tara Barnes Nurse Representative tbarnes@wsna.org
Previous updates
Voting Reminder
Nov 24, 2025
Negotiations Update: We have a TA!
Nov 19, 2025
Negotiations Update: We have momentum!
Nov 18, 2025
Bargaining Session Update
Nov 07, 2025
Negotiations Day One Update and Next Steps!
Oct 17, 2025
Introducing WSNA Nurse Representative
Aug 18, 2025
Upcoming event
WSNA Union Leadership Conference
April 26-28, 2026
Save the date for the 2026 WSNA Union Leadership Conference.
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.
Continuing education offerings
Enhance your professional competency with WSNA's free online courses.
Earn CNE contact hours through topics like Cultural Humility, Telehealth Assessment, Workplace Violence Prevention, and more. Convenient and self-paced, our courses provide practical knowledge for your daily work. Expand your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest nursing practices.