Nurses' Unions

Nurses Union

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The topic of unionization has come up,lately, at work, and it got me wondering. So I'm hoping some of you nurses who are currently represented by unions could tell me what union you're with, and how your experience with it has been. I'm ambivalent about the whole idea, but that's a change from being pretty firmly opposed. Any feedback will be appreciated.

It needs to be remembered that the CNA filed all those charges and made all those accusations blocking certification of the election and then after an investigation the California Nurses Association was unable to prove even one of the charges. Not a single one!

In fact, a hearing was scheduled to give the CNA a chance to present their case and they requested the hearing be canceled. A few days later the California Nurses Association withdrew ALL the charges and withdrew the petition for election entirely. The Nurses at my hospital put up with months of CNA harrassment then the filled charges that were outrageous, without one shred of fact to back any of it up. Then the CNA just walks away.

Those are the facts. Feels free the verify that with the NLRB.

Sherwood

I would actually like to hear what the CNA has to say about all this. Maybe the CNA or thier representative would post some clarification here.Something does just not jive here.
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In the US, nursing unions serve two purposes; as a palliative measure to give the appearance of improving a festering underlying occupational disfunction within a facility, and in some places as a place for meek employees to "sign up" for the team-based approach of extorting benefits from an employer when the employee is too afraid or uninformed to negotiate their own.

I refuse to work at a union shop because it indicates systemic problems that have not been repaired, but have rather been "spackled over" by a union, and because a union will deny me the right and privilege to negotiate my own compensation based on my own merits and ambition.

So apparently nurses who insist on knowing what raises they'll receive and when -- as well as being guaranteed that their benefits won't be taken away from them on an employers' whim -- are meek. Interesting perspective.

I've got to presume that this poster has never worked in a union shop. If s/he had, s/he would know that what unions generally negotiate is only a guaranteed minimum compensation package. I've never seen anything in any of my union contracts -- or the many others I've reviewed -- that says I don't have the right to negotiate my own compensation based on my own merits and ambition. As a matter of fact, I have, many times, and with great success. If management refuses to negotiate with individuals, that's another matter. But I've never seen a union try to prevent a member from cutting a better deal; in fact, I've worked alongside many a union member who, like me, negotiated personal service contracts based on performance.

I'm also intrigued by the notion that it's the union that "spackles" over problems when it's management that has the right to hire and fire. But hey, if you like the thrill of always being at the mercy of a corporation that can take away your job and benefits without warning, you're right: A union's not for you.

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Specializes in Cardiac Critical Care, Trauma, Neuro..
I would actually like to hear what the CNA has to say about all this. Maybe the CNA or thier representative would post some clarification here.Something does just not jive here.

I welcome a response and I offer this thought............

If any of the California Nurses Associations accusations were accurate and not just hearsay or totally fabricated; then in an official hearing conducted by the NLRB or as the CNA chose, an independent arbitrator of their choosing would have found cause to overturn the election and conduct a new election and/or require Western Medical Center to post official notices of the violation(s) throughout the hospital. Neither of those things occurred.

Western Medical Center Santa Ana was and remains union free.

Sherwood

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Specializes in Psych , Peds ,Nicu.

Western Medical Center Santa Ana was and remains union free.

Sherwood

Whilst as I understand from this thread you have been prepared to go as far as the US Supreme court to ensure your and your fellow nurses right not to belong to a union .

I wonder if you have been fighting so hard to ensure that your employer is in compliance with all laws ( labor and patient related )such as the minimum staffing law and laws relating to meal and rest breaks .

How do you ensure that they have the best working conditions so that they can offer the best care to their patients.

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Specializes in Cardiac Critical Care, Trauma, Neuro..
Whilst as I understand from this thread you have been prepared to go as far as the US Supreme court to ensure your and your fellow nurses right not to belong to a union .

I wonder if you have been fighting so hard to ensure that your employer is in compliance with all laws ( labor and patient related )such as the minimum staffing law and laws relating to meal and rest breaks .

How do you ensure that they have the best working conditions so that they can offer the best care to their patients.

Our hospital consistantly staffs to meet the requirements of the safe staffing laws in California. In my Critical-Care Unit we actually staff RN's without a patient assignment who's role is to cover break periods.

We place nurses on "call" when possible in case things really start getting busy.

I serve as chairman of the hospital professional practice council. I chair the critical-care unit professional practice council.

I precept and orient new grads and new hires. I inservice multiple critical-care related subjects in my hospital and I teach ATCN courses outside of my facility. Constantly educating yourself and taking that education back to your peers helps nursing and helps our patients.

I do not just punch the clock at 0700 and punch out at 1930, I do not hope to get the easiest patient or patients in the unit so I can sit quietly in the corner and waiting for the next shift to arrive. Anyone and everyone I work with knows that if they need help and I can help them, I will be right there.

My charge nurses and our director knows that if something happens that I do not agree with I will right there with not just a complaint, but a possible solution. Just as in my disagreement with the unions, I will not just rollover and pull the blankets over my head. I stick my neck out and I let my voice be heard. I also don't hide behind cute avatars and anonymous nicknames.

So, what do you do?

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I think there is ALOT more to this saga . Thank Goodness for the CNA.

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Specializes in Psych , Peds ,Nicu.

Sherwood ,I have no doubt that in things that interest you , you make great efforts in them . I am pleased to see that you advocate ,not only against Unions but also for staff . My query as to what you did in the arena of staff relations with management was prompted because I have only seen your efforts against unionization upon these threads .

Reading many of the threads upon this forum , there are many nurses who do not feel as individuals they have the ability to stand up against management .For example if you read the Texas forum , if an individual tries to stand up for individual rights they may be reported to GROUP 1 and then be blacklisted , then unable to find employment . With that threat hanging over their head , it is not surprising many , just rollover and pull the blankets over their heads. Do not stick their necks out and let their voices be heard. They also hide behind cute avatars and anonymous nicknames , in order to protect themselves from that fate.

I believe that it is only by collective action , that we can change managements course , some as yourself appear to have done it by being a leader , promoting individual responsibility , others will do it by promoting membership of a collective bargaining unit.

I believe it is bad management , acting intransigently that leads to attempts to unionize

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.
Speaking of unions, a temp staffing agency just called me up today to ask if I would work as a strike buster(well temp nurse) in Northern Ca. Seems there is a strike set for two weeks from now. Pay wasn't all that great, so I'm just sitting tight!

Thats why I dont use a temp staffing agency. They get almost as much as you and they dont do a thing. I self contract. Get a lot more. and always with a minimum guarantee. Be smart about it.

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Specializes in Every area of M/S.
Thats why I dont use a temp staffing agency. They get almost as much as you and they dont do a thing. I self contract. Get a lot more. and always with a minimum guarantee. Be smart about it.

Hey, Im super curious as to what "self contracting" actually is and how in the world does that work? That sounds awesome. I would appreciate any info...if you would like please send me a private msg....thanks!

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Specializes in Every area of M/S.

Btw, speaking of unions...does anyone know the current status of the california strike that's supposed to be occuring next week? Ive heard conflicting stories on whether or not its going to happen? Thanks.

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NJNU-At this point I am not sure anyone whould support a new union enviornment....they sure as hell aren't supporting the old one. Unfortunately, people here are complacent.....and just deal with it!

Maisy;)

If your local isn't doing its job the best way (IMO) is to go to meetings and do a Mother Jones routine. (Mourn the dead and fight like **** for the living.) Unions are democratic organizations and as such are run by the people who show up to meetings. Union leaders need to be held accountable for their actions like any other leaders.

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Specializes in ICU M/S Peds Home Health.

SHERWOOD,

Thank you. I think that it is assinine to have to join and pay dues to an organization with which you fundamentally disagree with.

Someone stated that Unions are democratic.. no they are good ole boy (or girl) networks; where once you're in power your only goal is to stay in power. The CNA is biggest perpetrator of fraud that there is as far as unions go.

They constantly whine and cry about nursing shortage and then do everything in their power to limit the role of LVNs and allied health staff... so they can further scream injustice.... injustice.

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