Whidbey Healthcare Medical Center, Decision 13629 (PECB, 2023)

STATE OF WASHINGTON

BEFORE THE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

Kelly Ann Skahan, Labor Counsel, for the Washington State Nurses Association.

Julianne Blynn, Benefits and Labor Relations Analyst, for the Whidbey Island Public Hospital District.

Findings of Fact

1.                  The Washington State Nurses Association filed a representation petition concerning the House Supervisors at the Whidbey Island Public Hospital District. The Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) determined the petition was timely filed and accompanied by a sufficient showing of interest. No other organization claimed to represent the employees involved.

2.                  The existing bargaining unit represented by the Washington State Nurses Association was voluntarily recognized and PERC would describe the existing bargaining unit as follows:

All full-time, part-time, and per diem registered nurses employed by Whidbey Island Public Hospital District as Resident Nurse, Staff Nurse, and Charge Nurse at its hospital, home health agency, hospice, and community clinics and provider practices; excluding management officials, nursing managers/directors and other supervisors, confidential employees, and all other employees.

3.                  Because the more than 50 percent showing of interest threshold was met, PERC conducted card check proceedings. The employees were given a free choice in the proceedings. The tally of results was provided to the parties. No meritorious election objections were filed.

4.                  The existing bargaining unit represented by the Washington State Nurses Association shall be modified to include the House Supervisors for a bargaining unit described as follows:

All full-time, part-time, and per diem registered nurses employed by Whidbey Island Public Hospital District as Resident Nurse, Staff Nurse, Charge Nurse, and House Supervisor at its hospital, home health agency, hospice, and community clinics and provider practices; excluding management officials, nursing managers/directors, supervisors, confidential employees, and all other employees.

Conclusions of Law

1.                  The unit described in finding of fact 4 is an appropriate unit within the meaning of RCW 41.56.060.

2.                  Representation proceedings were conducted in accordance with RCW 41.56.095 and chapter 391‑25 WAC.

certification

Whidbey Island Public Hospital District House Supervisors employees in the bargaining unit described in finding of fact 4 have chosen

Washington State Nurses Association

as their representative for the purpose of collective bargaining with their employer.

ISSUED at Olympia, Washington, this  15th  day of February, 2023.

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

Michael P. Sellars, Executive Director