Post-Contract Ratification Update

It has been nearly two months since we ratified our contract on December 19, 2024, and a lot has happened since. Nurses should have received their pay increases and ratification bonuses, and all new contract language without a specific implementation date is now in effect. As always, there are challenges when implementing new language, but we are working with management to resolve issues and ensure they uphold our contract. Read on for important updates affecting your workplace.

Breaks: “Peer-to-Peer” is Just Break Buddies

Let’s call this what it is—break buddies by another name. Management may try to dress it up, but we know the reality. If you are assigned a break by a nurse who still has patients or if you are covering a break while managing your own assignment, file an ADO every time. Break Buddy (Peer-to-Peer) reporting prompts will begin no later than July 1, 2025.

Ratification Bonuses

We have heard from several nurses who have not received their ratification bonus. We are working with HR to correct this. 
To receive the bonus, you must have been employed at SJMC when the contract expired (October 31, 2024) and when the bonus was paid (January 23, 2025). The bonus is $1,300, pro-rated by FTE. If you believe you are entitled to a bonus but have not received it, contact your nurse representative at jrichardson@wsna.org.

Call Scheduling

We recognize there have been issues with implementing the new call language. Each unit has unique scheduling needs, and what works for one may not work for another. Our priority is ensuring that call schedules are equitable, transparent, and that the law is followed on mandatory call shifts.

We have met with management several times to address concerns and will meet again in March to evaluate unit-specific solutions. If you have a concern about call scheduling, reach out to your nurse representative at jrichardson@wsna.org.

Internationally Experienced RNs

Significant progress has been made in ensuring nurses with international experience receive full credit for their years of practice outside the United States and Canada. HR expects to send out an initial list of nurses for re-stepping within the next two weeks.

If you have international experience and were not given full credit, you must come forward to initiate the process. Management claims they have no way of identifying affected nurses. The deadline to request credit is June 19, 2025. More than 30 nurses have already come forward, with some expected to move up more than 10 steps on the wage scale. This is a huge win for all nurses. Contact jrichardson@wsna.org if you need to be re-evaluated.

Upcoming Contract Implementation Dates

• Weapons detectors in the ED by June 19, 2025
• Break Buddy reporting prompts by July 1, 2025

Hospital Staffing Committee

The next Hospital Staffing Committee meeting is on February 10, 2025, at 0900 in MOB Conference Room A. All nurses are encouraged to attend. If you have a concern you want discussed, this is your opportunity to make your voice heard.

Local Unit Officer Elections

Local Unit Officer election ballots are being sent out this week. Please return the ballot in the pre-paid envelope by the date marked on the letter to have your vote counted. Remember the local unit rules do not allow for write-in votes.

Our contract is only as strong as our enforcement. Keep reporting violations, stay informed, and continue holding management accountable.

In solidarity,
Carina Price, Co-Chair
Emily Nollmeyer, Co-Chair
Matthew McGuire, Treasurer
Sally Budack, Co-Secretary
Shannon Suchland, Co-Secretary
Yunna Flenord, Grievance Officer
Shelly Mead, Grievance Officer
Teresa Kindell, Membership Coordinator