[Sherwood]

MAY 22nd 2008 - Despite an organizing drive lasting greater than a year. Despite constant pressure and countless "promises" by CNA organizers. Despite a barrage of mail and a personal appeal by the President of the California Nurses Association, the nurses of St Agnes Medical Center chose not to unionize.

[klbackus]

I'm sorry to hear that the nurses voted against having a stronger voice through a union. But it's really not a surprise--CNA leaders have been spending so much of their time and members' dues attempting to decertify and interfere in the elections of other unions, namely SEIU.

This is a good example why division among nursing unions only benefits hospital adminstration.

See my post: Unite nurses don't divide us

[Sherwood]

Originally Posted by klbackus

I'm sorry to hear that the nurses voted against having a stronger voice through a union. But it's really not a surprise--CNA leaders have been spending so much of their time and members' dues attempting to decertify and interfere in the elections of other unions, namely SEIU.

This is a good example why division among nursing unions only benefits hospital adminstration.

See my post: Unite nurses don't divide us

Actually the nurses of St Agnes Medical Center in Fresno California chose to keep the strong voices they already had. These nurses banded together with that strong voice to help educate each other on the consequences of unionizing. The grassroots group of nurses first educated themselves, then they passed that knowledge to the entire hospital staff.
Once the staff learned more about the California Nurses Association and other unions (SEIU included) the decision not to unionize was easy and their voices were heard loud and clear. I was there and I saw how they banded together not only nurses but hospital staff from every department and specialty. Instead of dividing and conquering as the unions choose to do, this group is bringing everyone together as a team.
I am proud my website helped them out and I was excited when they invited me to attend their rally. It was awesome! A great bunch of people and a great hospital.

Sherwood

[Julia RN]

I don't know how "together" the nurses are on this issue, Sherwood. 42% voted in favor of CNA going by the numbers in your other post. Sounds like a pretty divided group.

The majority rules but the minority in this case was certainly strong and heard as well. Not what I'd characterize as an incredible loss.

IMO your message employs the same tactics you criticize the unions for.

[NASA 4]

Actually, considering that the last time there was union election at Saint Agnes the vote difference was only 6 votes, and considering the union claimed to have support of over 2/3 thirds of the nurses in calling for the election I too consider this loss an incredible loss for CNA and a great win for the hospital. I am a nurse at Saint Agnes and was really sad to see the deceptive tactics used by the union throughout the entire process. If CNA really was a "professional" organization with improving patient care as its true goal they wouldn't have needed to use the tactics I personally experienced to try and win the election. Honesty goes a long way with me and I was getting little honest information from CNA.

[focusedone]

NASA 4

I agree. We had talk of unions at our hospital about 15 years ago and just the idea divided the place. We are much better off not having a union. I think it is funny that people believe that a union voice is better than professionals coming together for the betterment of the hospital and the patients. Some people are just looking for a fight. They talk about their administrators with such contempt that it is no wonder another person needs to speak for them. I wouldn't listen either if I were in charge.