Rio Grande Valley union situation

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

A couple of years ago, nurses at an RGV hospital voted to unionize. After a couple years with no contract, a recall election was held and the union was decertified by the RNs.

At that same time, LVNs and other ancillary staff voted to join SEIU, and have been under contract since. Now, it appears they are in the process of having their own decertification election to leave SEIU.

Hard for any union to keep a foothold in the south.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

FYI, we really don't consider ourselves part of the "South".... just Texas. RGV is a very unique environment in terms of geography, culture and economics. Much more aligned with Mexico than the rest of the US in terms of socio-economic characteristics.

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

Well, as a nearly 50 year resident of Texas, I'll just have to disagree with your first point. I have always been proud of my southern heritage. Most rural texans see themselves as southern. Don't know about you city slickers.

Been in RGV for close to 9 years, and you're right that it's different and more in line with Mexicos values and culture.

[Mungo84]

It is unfortunate that no union succeeds here. I have my doubts about SEIU as I was part of that union when I was in California working for a city and it was sub par to say the least. I have now been working here in an RGV hospital for a year and am very disappointed with the lack of support, rights, and overall lack of concern of the well-being of its nurses. This area desperately needs a good union to give nursing a voice. When jokingly telling my co-workers that I was going to draft a petition to get a union here, they looked at me wide - eyed and said that I would be fired in the process. They are so in fear for their well-being (whether it is horrible rumor or actually holds truth) that they will not stand up for themselves for fear their job will be terminated. Regardless of political ideologies and whether people are for or against unions, NO AMERICAN CITIZEN SHOULD FEAR BEING TERMINATED for demanding more rights at their place of work. The situation here is appalling and I wish I knew how to evoke change...