We met with management on Wednesday, March 19 for session #2. Management responded to the proposals we passed at the first session. We were disappointed that most were rejected without much or any explanation. We did reach a few tentative agreements. The hospital, for the most part, did not address our economic/wage proposal including our wage increase proposal. The hospital also came with proposals:

• Drastic changes and increases to per diem work requirements.
• Changes in how nurses who float are paid by removing the float premium if a nurse isn’t physically located in the hospital or floats to the same cost center.
• Altering the language around preceptor roles, which would decrease eligibility for preceptor pay.
• Removal of the Substance Abuse Policy MOU.

On our end, we passed a proposal regarding health insurance and retirement.

With the contract set to expire at the end of the month, it’s important to note that all terms and conditions will remain in full force and effect, even after expiration.  We continue to have concerns around Whidbey's availability to meet. We proposed 11 dates for negotiations, but management rejected them all and only offered four other dates, and those were at the end of May,  more than a month after our last scheduled session in April. Furthermore, Whidbey has not agreed at this time to back-date any wage increases to April 1.

What can you do to support your bargaining team?

Please join us as an observer at our next bargaining session on March 28 at 10 am. The sessions are being held virtually. You will be able to observe how the negotiation process works, including how proposals are developed and passed and listen to the discussion that takes place at the table with management.  You will need to arrive at 9:30 am in the virtual caucus room with your bargaining team for instructions.   If you would like to attend, please contact one of your bargaining team members or your nurse rep Sara Frey,  sfrey@wsna.org to receive information and the link to join.  You must attend the prep at 9:30 am and you must RSVP to attend.