Can the Union make the hospital fire nurses?

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Our hospital has had a union for the past few years. It has been an Open Shop with nurses having a choice as to being members of the union or not. Now a new contract was passed and it is now a Closed Shop. There are alot of nurses that have been there for many years and some don't feel comfortable joining the union. My question is, with the nursing shortage... can the union force the hospital to fire nurses, that don't join the union?

On the membership form that they sent to all the nurses, it states that the nurse would be seeking membership in the union and it would be voluntary to have dues taken out of a paycheck. Then, can they force nurses to join a union???? And can they force the hospital to fire nurses that have been there for many years? Just curious.....Thanks for your input to my questions.......

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As a general rule; a closed shop means union membership is a condition of employment. For those who have a moral or religious objection to membership; a 'fee payer' status is usually available. Your best bet would be to check the contract language, and see what it says; occasionally, there is a grandfather clause when a closed shop is instituted.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I previously worked at a closed shop unionized hospital. It was set up their that one could "choose" to not join the union but by agreeing to work at that facility/system as a nurse you agreed to have the union dues deducted from your paycheck. Most of the nurses ultimately joined but a few did not. The "non-members" got most of the benefits the union members got but if they had a grievance they were on their own.

Also if we were to happen to go on strike they were expected to show up for work, by not doing so they could be terminated. When the strike ended the would be SOL. As contracts after a strike contain amnesty clauses that protect the union nurses jobs.

Rj

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Specializes in ICU M/S Peds Home Health.

A union is nothing more than a way to rob you of your money and contribute it to the political causes of the left wing individuals that are in charge of the union...

so yeah.. they would definately try to fire those that do not/join slash pay as to if they can or not... depends on what state it is.

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A union is nothing more than a way to rob of your money and contribute it to the political causes of the left wing individuals that are in charge of the union...

My opinion is that a for profit health care corporation is nothing more than a vehicle used to make money off of the suffering of pts, and off of the backs of nurses, in order to increase the wealth of right wing share-holders and executives.

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Specializes in ICU M/S Peds Home Health.
My opinion is that a for profit health care corporation is nothing more than a vehicle used to make money off of the suffering of pts, and off of the backs of nurses, in order to increase the wealth of right wing share-holders and executives.

Yeppers... its called CAPITALISM.

The same principal is applied to all essentials in life...

food

clothing

shelter

transportation..

I love capitalism.... it beats the "heck" out of say... socialism/communism.

Remember folks... work harder. Millions on welfare depend on you!

and on edit... I would probably buy some stocks too...

its a win win.... if the government does take over they will have to buy out the shareholders; if they don't there will be a full scale revolt... and if they do not take over the stocks will soar!

Capitalism is indeed beautiful.

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I love my union.

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Specializes in ICU M/S Peds Home Health.
I love my union.

I am sincerely glad for you.

I think you will pay more than dues in the end... but I am glad for you.

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