Chicago: Health of organized labor in doubt

Sherwood · Oct 19, 2005

There are more than just two unions in this.The CNA/NNOC is also attempting to organize healthcare workers in Illinois. They were already successfull once.

A website has already been created in the Chicago area, I have nothing to do with this site and came accross it after several emails to me inquiring about the CNA and my experiences with them. The site is http://www.cnafacts.com and has a lot to say.

I am also getting emails from Texas, Michigan, Hawaii and Arizona asking for information on the CNA.

While many of you know my opinions on unionization, I wonder what you all think about this competition? Do you believe what the CNA is doing is "Raiding", or is it healthy competition?

Sherwood, R.N., CCRN

fergus51 · Oct 19, 2005

I feel that a happy union member wouldn't look elsewhere for representation. If a union isn't serving its members well, I see no reason why they can't look for another one.

Gennaver, MSN · Oct 19, 2005

I feel that a happy union member wouldn't look elsewhere for representation. If a union isn't serving its members well, I see no reason why they can't look for another one.

Hi,

Just to shoot off a quick reply here, yes I agree that if members are not being properly represented then what difference is there between the union and corporate? None at all.

Even though several of my former union leaders at my former company, (oil chemical and atomic workers) became corporate, coincidentaly right after elections or votes and I feel that they did not represent us employees I am still all in favor of representation and unity in number. However there is one very big caveat...that representation must be on the up and up and dedicated.

This next bit is really not related at all but, just a little prattle. There is -a- hospital in the Chicago area where twice the recruiter called me, (once in April and again this October) and the recruiter wanted me to come in the next day for interview because she was trainging a new crew the next week. This last time she said, "But, how can you not come tomorrow?" I said, "I will be in my clinicals class tomorrow and cannot take off." Recruiter's reply, "But, do you know that this is a union job?"

Most likely this recruiter just has sloppy scheduling, I mean who calls applicants and tells them they have one day to come in or they loose a chance.

Yes, I wanted the job, both times but, was not ready to sacrifice my entire world to jump through a last minute hoop.

Okay, end rant. Thank you,

Gen

Sherwood · Oct 20, 2005

I feel that a happy union member wouldn't look elsewhere for representation. If a union isn't serving its members well, I see no reason why they can't look for another one.

Looking for another union is one option but not the only option. Once you discover that your union is not serving you or your fellow employees well, you can start a decertification campaign. Better yet, deauthorize and remove the union altogether.

http://www.stopunions.com has information on decertifications and deathorizations.

Attention Illinois Nurses. The latest 2005 LM-2'S are out. This is a financial report of the CNA/NNOC and tells you where they have been spending it's members money, who is on the payroll and how much they make. It is available from the U.S. Department of Labor Management but to make it easy, just download it from http://www.stopunions.com. Chicago area Nurses should know what they may be getting themselves into. The CNA/NNOC can't make enough money in California so they are out to get you now!

fergus51 · Oct 20, 2005

Looking for another union is one option but not the only option. Once you discover that your union is not serving you or your fellow employees well, you can start a decertification campaign. Better yet, deauthorize and remove the union altogether.
!

That's certainly an option if they want to return to the pre-union days, but they may not want that. They were obviously unhappy enough with their administration to vote in the union in the first place. If they want a union but aren't being served by their current one, I see nothing wrong with them changing to another one.