Published Sep 23, 2012
mene19
18 Posts
I have repeatedly asked NYSNA to state their policies/procedures re: ethical behavior during strikes. As professionals, we need to publicly denounce violence, vandalism, and a commitment to respecting others' civil rights while preserving our own.
In Philadelphia in the early 90's I witnessed doctors physically assaulted, lab specimens/equipment/patient files destroyed, families blocked from visiting. A patient died without saying good-bye to his children. This was 1199 in Philadelphia, and the police and the RN's backed them up.
This is not only unprofessional, but savage and inhuman. While unions are necessary, the oppressed have become the oppressors.
Justify this, union people. Someone give me an answer, because my union won't even send me a policy statement. They won't even answer my e-mails.
Violence, vandalism, and violation of civil rights during strikes must be stopped. We are Nurses. We have a right to fight for our rights WITHIN THE LIMITS OF LAW AND DECENCY.
herring_RN, ASN, BSN
3,651 Posts
There was a thread regarding this union last year. Some may find it interesting.
https://allnurses.com/collective-bargaining-nursing/trouble-nysna-pension-546517.html
Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN
20,908 Posts
I have repeatedly asked NYSNA to state their policies/procedures re: ethical behavior during strikes. As professionals, we need to publicly denounce violence, vandalism, and a commitment to respecting others' civil rights while preserving our own. In Philadelphia in the early 90's I witnessed doctors physically assaulted, lab specimens/equipment/patient files destroyed, families blocked from visiting. A patient died without saying good-bye to his children. This was 1199 in Philadelphia, and the police and the RN's backed them up. This is not only unprofessional, but savage and inhuman. While unions are necessary, the oppressed have become the oppressors. Justify this, union people. Someone give me an answer, because my union won't even send me a policy statement. They won't even answer my e-mails. Violence, vandalism, and violation of civil rights during strikes must be stopped. We are Nurses. We have a right to fight for our rights WITHIN THE LIMITS OF LAW AND DECENCY.
There are bad apples in every bunch. The 90's was a different time for unions. There is no Nurse run union that I know of that advocates violence or illegal activities nor have they endorsed the destruction of patient information and the indulgence of unethical behavior. Philly in the nineties was 20 years ago. As of recent years there are a code of ethics that all members are held to what is expected of any professional nurse and never at anytime have I seen patients endangered by a work reduction/strike.
As a manger of a union facility I have never witnessed unprofessional behavior from the nurses union nor it's members. I'm not saying sometime it was irritating to deal with the grievances but never at any time were they unprofessional in their demeanor. I am sorry got your experience.
I think you have the right to question the union about their work/strike ethics....but I would hesitate to judge the NYSNA with the behavior of the SEIU 1199 from 20 years ago.