RNs threaten to strike

NephroBSN, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2006

380 San Mateo county RNs getting ready to walk.........
http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=56878

I'd like to understand this. The hospital wants merit raises. The union wants every one to get the same amount no matter their performance.

How does that strategy insure excellent patient care?

NO UNION IS A GOOD UNION

fergus51 · Apr 4, 2006

No strategy ensures excellent patient care unfortunately.

I understand the pros of merit raises, but also the cons. The complaints I have heard about merit raises was that "merit" generally meant "did the manager like you?" not "were you a good nurse". A friend of mine used to work in Kansas and didn't get her full merit raise one year because she didn't pick up enough extra shifts. This despite being a great nurse, professional, helpful, orienting new staff, etc. It made her mad enough that she quit. Her hospital's loss and our gain because she's great.

I don't know anything about this particular hospital mind you. If that's the only issue, I would hope it could be resolved without a strike.