We, your bargaining team, met with management for our third session on Friday, March 29 to discuss the following topics and more:

Economics

Management did not come to the table with an economic proposal and would not commit to having it ready to pass to us on April 21, our next bargaining date. We started bargaining in February, so it is disappointing that given this amount of time, they were not prepared with a counter.  We are hopeful they will come to the table on April 21 with a response so we can move forward with bargaining on a reasonable timeline!

Per diem scheduling

During session #2, management proposed drastically increasing per diem work requirements. During this session, management presented what we feel is an even worse proposal with per diems being required to pick up shifts after the schedule is published. We rejected management’s proposal.

Floating

Management is still holding on to their proposal that changes who receives float pay. Management wants to remove the float premium if a nurse isn’t physically located in the hospital or floats to the same cost center.

Meetings

Management maintained their proposal to only pay for the actual time spent in virtual meetings. We believe the 2-hour minimum should apply.

Pay for the bargaining team

Management continues to reject our proposal that the bargaining team members be paid for time spent in bargaining.

Staffing language

We did reach agreement on some new staffing language with one outstanding issue related to charge nurses taking assignments. We passed a counter proposal to management and hope to receive a response on 4/21.

Precepting

Management withdrew their proposal on precepting which would have eliminated precepting pay in some situations where a preceptor is necessary.

Substance Abuse policy

We are still reviewing the information about the Substance abuse policy and management’s proposal to eliminate the MOU from the contract.

What can you do to support your bargaining team?

Please join us as an observer at our next bargaining session on April 21st 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 before bargaining (likely 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 and for the specific time you will need to arrive.  You must attend the prep at the designated time (likely 9:30 am) and you must RSVP to attend.

In solidarity, Your bargaining team,
Luka Cobb - lukamackay@gmail.com
Gwen Parrick - rsgsparr@whidbey.com
Laura Black - tomnlaura@hotmail.com
Ann Bell - anniebell66@gmail.com
Bonnie Brady - bonnielea@gmail.com

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Rep Sara Frey, JD, BSN, RN, at sfrey@wsna.org.