Sympathy strike...would you do it??

Nurses Union

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I belong to a very strong union who is very opinionated. I don't always agree with their stance on things. There is another union who is striking for possible benefit take-aways...I don't know the true details of what is being proposed to them...because it isn't my union. This other union is NOT a nurse's union. ( I am in a nurse's union)

Our union recently got an EXCELLENT contract passed that starts now and expires in 2014. We had no take-aways at all and excellent pay increases and even a bonus. Our union is telling us we should honor the other union's picket line for a one-day strike in Sept...and even though we have a great contract now, we will be next on the chopping block! (their opinion)

I have a hard time agreeing that we should have a sympathy strike like this when I am completely satisfied with my contract and the employer. Our contract states there is to be NO stop in work or lock-outs. The union says there is a state law that protects us if we have a sympathy strike. The union also believes we won't be locked out if we only strike for ONE day...how do they know?? I feel they are going against our contract if they strike. We are being told to not come to work that day, even if we aren't actually picketing.

What would you do? I am thankful I have a job in this economy!

Specializes in Hospice.
Only a post or two in and someone kicks in the Godwin's law effect.

I believe that there is more than a bit of difference between Nazi genocide and a sympathy strike. I suspect that the families of the 9 million murdered would agree.

It may follow Godwin's Law, but in this case it's legit ... and that's not trivializng the Holocaust in any way.

The companies looking to cut costs on the backs of their workers depend on us having the attitude "I've got mine ... you're on your own". It's called divide and conquer.

I know that my bargaining unit, years ago, was only allowed to represent RNs. LPNs, CNA's and dietary workers and housekeepers were in a different union. Our contract ran out just before election day (I worked in a state hospital) and theirs expired just after. Funny how it happened that in election years, our contract sailed through, no problem. Meanwhile, magically, money got so tight - just 2 months later - that they just HAD to have give-backs. These were men and women who worked beside me every day, without whom I couldn't do my job. I wouldn't be able to look at myself in a mirror if I had crossed their picket lines.

Having said that, the issue is not black and white ... the fact that the OP doesn't trust the information coming from her union speaks volumes about the politics of the situation. There's a balance that needs to be maintained between self-interest and support for co-workers and none of us can make that decision for the OP.

My only suggestion is, first, to read your own contract to see if the issue is addressed there. Secondly, double check the union's info with the state or federal labor board. The biggest question is whether workers striking in sympathy have the same protections against retaliation as the workers directly involved. Finally, there's a judgement call balancing your own financial responsibilities and employment against the politics of angering management, who will find a way to get back at you if at all possible.

only a post or two in and someone kicks in the godwin's law effect.

i believe that there is more than a bit of difference between nazi genocide and a sympathy strike. i suspect that the families of the 9 million murdered would agree.

thank you :)

Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

Well ... I've always been a member of a union. I would go to work if scheduled and strike with them if off. In the end you need to cover your own back. The unions are getting a bad rap right now and soon, when there are none, we shall all grieve together in the bread lines ... but at least we'll be together.

My intent was not to trivialize anything or anyone- I apologize if it was perceived that way. But let's not lose focus here; if the other place doesn't succeed... your 'ideal work place' won't be so for much longer.

Only if you pay my bills!

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Those scheduled for work should work, the others can picket with the other union. The problem with organisations is they put their own survival ahead of that of thier members.

Keep in mind that The Pilgrims weren't team players. The Nazis were.

And look how the Nazis turned out in the end. Or did WWII end differently from what I was taught?

I'm not sure I understand your example.

OP, you're east of the rock and west of the hard place. I'm not sure what I would do.

Specializes in FNP.

Absolutely not. Never. Unconscionable.

Disclaimer: I would never belong to or support a union of any kind.

Specializes in ER, Trauma.

My Pilgrim/Nazi reference was to encourage individual thought. Overall I'm pro-union, but have been talked to by union reps for doing a job too well, making it difficult for other dues paying union members. The OP was looking for suggestion and opinions and I gave him the best I could offer. Had no intention of offending anybody.

First they came for the communists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.

powerful

Specializes in Spinal Cord injuries, Emergency+EMS.

first it depends on the legality of 'sympathy strikes' and associated activities including secondary and 'flying' pickets - some places make these illegal and secondary action leaves you wide open to action by your own employer and even the involvement of the security services and the bandying about of terms like 'domestic terrorist'

second if sympathy actions are legal where you are , surely your union should vote on whether to strike -same as if you were striking for a 'primary' reason ...

Specializes in private duty/home health, med/surg.

If I had the day off, I would consider standing with the strikers. If I felt the company in question were being unfair, I would not use their services or product. I would not screw my current employer, co-workers, and patients by not showing up if I were scheduled that day.

Your union's job is to obtain & enforce a contract that protects your rights in exchange for your union dues. They've done their job by getting a decent contract, you do your part by paying dues. Your employer expects that by agreeing to certain concessions, they should in return have workers that show up when scheduled.

If the hospital has done their part and follows the contract and they still feel that they may have to deal with employees not showing up due to a strike, I doubt your next labor agreement will be so cushy.

Only a post or two in and someone kicks in the Godwin's law effect.

I believe that there is more than a bit of difference between Nazi genocide and a sympathy strike. I suspect that the families of the 9 million murdered would agree.

As one of those families I am going to thank you for saying this.

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