Sympathy strike...would you do it??

melsch · Jan 21, 2012

Where I live nurses are considered an essential service which means we are not allowed to reduce our numbers below what is considered enough staff to look after the patients. What we have done is work to rule, which means we only do essential jobs - no extra paperwork, no house keeping jobs, no overtime etc. Management can do those jobs until our contract is settled. If another union goes on strike we still have to show up to work, but anyone who is not considered essential (as determined by our union) doesn't cross the picket line, and everyone who is at work refuses to do the work that would be done by the other union.

NCalLVN · Jan 22, 2012

I wanted to correct the statement that the strike was/is about Kaiser trying to take away benefits from LVN,MA's clerks etc. The strike was/is about supporting a small group that broke away from SEIU-UHW and formed a much smaller union NUHW. SEIU-UHW members (LVN's, MA's, Reception/Clerks, EVS, etc.) have a contract in place that protects wages, medical benefits retirement and working conditions.

NUHW has not been able to secure a contract since splitting from SEIU-UHW and is using its relationship with CNA to attempt to put pressure on the negotiations. CNA is asking it's RN's to support NUHW in sympathy. I wonder why the relationship between these two unions has not been questioned. Now another one day strike has been scheduled for Jan 31. Most of the RN's I work with opted to come to work last go round and do not support the upcoming one.

Chico David, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2012

I wanted to correct the statement that the strike was/is about Kaiser trying to take away benefits from LVN,MA's clerks etc. The strike was/is about supporting a small group that broke away from SEIU-UHW and formed a much smaller union NUHW. SEIU-UHW members (LVN's, MA's, Reception/Clerks, EVS, etc.) have a contract in place that protects wages, medical benefits retirement and working conditions.
NUHW has not been able to secure a contract since splitting from SEIU-UHW and is using its relationship with CNA to attempt to put pressure on the negotiations. CNA is asking it's RN's to support NUHW in sympathy. I wonder why the relationship between these two unions has not been questioned. Now another one day strike has been scheduled for Jan 31. Most of the RN's I work with opted to come to work last go round and do not support the upcoming one.

You may have some sad surprises coming - I just got to listen to the most amazing tape recording - Dave Regan talking to a bunch of local union leaders from SEIU Kaiser just a few days ago. Spinning like mad trying to put a positive interpretation on the fact that SEIU, long before going into bargaining, has already pre-agreed with Kaiser to accept cuts in health care benefits. Making statements like "We have to help Kaiser be more competitive" and a whole lot of talk about "we need to be a 21st century union" - which in SEIU speak means "a union that makes backroom deals with management instead of standing up for its members". He was trying mightily to put lipstick on that pig, but it's still a pig. Kaiser worked very hard - and illegally - to help SEIU win that last election, and this is the payback they are getting in return - of course they wanted a tame union that wouldn't bite back, and they knew just where to find one.

anniv91106 · Jan 28, 2012

You may have some sad surprises coming - I just got to listen to the most amazing tape recording - Dave Regan talking to a bunch of local union leaders from SEIU Kaiser just a few days ago. Spinning like mad trying to put a positive interpretation on the fact that SEIU, long before going into bargaining, has already pre-agreed with Kaiser to accept cuts in health care benefits. Making statements like "We have to help Kaiser be more competitive" and a whole lot of talk about "we need to be a 21st century union" - which in SEIU speak means "a union that makes backroom deals with management instead of standing up for its members". He was trying mightily to put lipstick on that pig, but it's still a pig. Kaiser worked very hard - and illegally - to help SEIU win that last election, and this is the payback they are getting in return - of course they wanted a tame union that wouldn't bite back, and they knew just where to find one.

Are these pre-agreements known as "memos of understandings" and will incorporate into the next contract?

Don't forget there is a process to address corrupt unions. Sometimes you have to stand up to them before you can stand up for them.

Genista, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2012

I find this topic very interesting and relevant, as I am a member of the large nurses union which is holding the sympathy strike next week. I am also very pro union, but not sure if I am in agreement with the sympathy strike. The other problem for me is I am the sole bread winner for a family of four and striking for a day will be a financial hit. I know there is a bigger picture here, but wish I could have been included in discussions on whether or not to participate in a sympathy strike. I can't in good conscious cross a picket line. At the same time, I just want to go in and work that day.I hope to talk to a union rep at work in the next day or two. I am feeling frustrated by the drama of it all. I have been a union member for almost my entire career, but this union is new to me.

NCalLVN · Jan 29, 2012

Surprises? Unfortunately nothing these involved unions do surprises me anymore. There are questionable motives and self-serving actions shared across the board. I was only clarifying that this srike is not about the LVN's MA's, Clerical Receptionists etc., they have a contract, they are not part of this planned strike. But you have my interest with the amazing tape recording comment. Where can I hear this for myself?

Mindful, RN · Jan 31, 2012

Here's the place.............. Kaiser Permanente: Absolute Greed | MichaelMoore.com