Published Jul 8, 2006
mark hamel
216 Posts
Nurses across the CALIF. will take to the streets to demand protection to organize into nursing unions.......... :smiley_ab http://www.calnurse.org/rn-alerts/
ZZTopRN, BSN, RN
483 Posts
I plan to attend one of the rallies. But what rights do I have as a per diem at will employee? Even though I belong to the union?
ZASHAGALKA, RN
3,322 Posts
This has been discussed for sometime. The argument cuts both ways, but technically, RNs DO supervise the bedside environment. I think, as the evidence shows, it would be a hard thing for anybody to ACTUALLY prevail on exempting nurses from unionizing on that basis.
Just like the fact that the DOL (dept. labor) considers RNs to be 'exempt' employees from labor laws such as hourly wages.
An employer could easily, under the law, make all RNs salaried employees.
But, then, they'd have to quadruple their 'agency' staff to handle all the unfilled OT shifts.
Another shining example of how the marketplace works to our advantage.
~faith,
Timothy.
Woodenpug, BSN
734 Posts
We need one union contract. Similiar to the trades. If you want a nurse with X years experience, you go to the union hall.
Otherwise, this could be a blessing in disguise. The unions are essentially powerless.
lindarn
1,982 Posts
Right now Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle is pushing to get legislature passed at the state level to do just that- make RNs supervisors, and exempt from being represented by a union. I will try to find the link.
Lindarn,rn, BSN,CCRN
Spokane, Washington
pickledpepperRN
4,491 Posts
If Per Diem nurses are included in the contract you are includud.
That means representation in the event of discipline or contract violations.
One of our per diem nurses was wronly accused of a med error. She wasn't even working that shift.
This came out at the hearing with her nurse representstive, the discipline was recinded and she was paid for the shifts she didn't work on investigatory leave.
Our per diems make their own schedule but must work the shifts that committment.