According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10.7% of all wage and salary workers in the U.S. were members of a union in 2017. UNIONFACTS.com reports that there are over 170,00 nurses in the country who belong to a labor union. This number has been steadily rising since 2011. The increase in union membership may surprise you. Some nursing and healthcare unions have pushed to increase membership even more over the past few years.
The Union Debate at Johns Hopkins
Nurses at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore have been in the midst of the union debate. A recent article in the Baltimore Business Journal reported that many of the supporters of the union had criticized the hospital for high turnover rates, low pay, inadequate staffing, and adverse effects on patient care. There have been reports that the hospital has prevented union supporters from discussing organizing in some hospital settings or unions.
This might all seem like typical union banter. However, there's more to the story. The article goes on to report about another group of nurses, known as "Stand With Hopkins." These nurses don't feel that Hopkins is in need of a union. They feel that the union rhetoric could be hurting the reputation of their employer and that they need to be told the positives and negatives of unionizing along with any possible alternatives. One member of the "Stand with Hopkins" said that if the union is the best option, they are okay with it. The group says they only want to ensure that all possibilities are explored so that nurses can make an informed decision.
The real question here is this - If you were in this situation, would you know how to vote? Do you understand the pros and cons of joining a nurses union? Here are a few things to consider.
What is a Union?
A labor union is an organized group of workers who come together to make decisions about factors affecting their work. Unions function to bring economic justice to the workplace by advocating on the workers' behalfs on issues such as benefits, working conditions, hours, and wages.
There isn't just one union that represents nurses across the nation. However several unions represent nurses and other healthcare workers.
Understanding the Pros of a Nurse Union
Job Security
If you're not in a union, you're probably an "at-will employee." This just means that you can be fired for any reason at any time. Employers can also make changes to your benefits and wages without notice. However, when you are in a union, the contract is binding, and it protects you from being terminated without cause. Many unions also negotiate guaranteed pay raises with each new contract.
Guaranteed Representation
Another benefit of being in a union is that if you are given disciplinary action or are in breach of your contract, you won't go to any meetings with supervisors alone. The same is true if you were to ever file a grievance against your employer.
Better Pay
Unions put forth much effort to fight for higher salaries. This is especially true under circumstances such as being understaffed or working in less than favorable conditions. While it's difficult to say just how much more you might make if you belong to a union, some sources report that union nurses make up to an extra $400 a week.
Improved Working Conditions
Unions represent the best interest of their members. As a nurse, this might mean improved safety protocols, access to needed equipment, and better nurse-to-patient staffing ratios.
Understanding the Cons of a Nurse Union
Risks to Your Job
Many employers don't like unions and will do anything they can to keep their nurses from joining. While this isn't legal - it is the reality in some places. If a union calls for a strike, you might find yourself without a job, because if another nurse is willing to cross the picket line to work - they might be given your position.
Fees to Join
Most unions charge a percentage of your annual salary. Dues pay for services such as contract negotiations and representations. However, many nurses don't want to pay for these services and opt out for this reason.
Unpaid Strikes
Unions strike when they can't come to terms with the employer. During these times, you might go without pay.
Seniority is King
Unions often promote based on tenure at the job, rather than skills. You could get passed over for a promotion if a coworker has been there longer, even if you are more deserving of the position.
Everyone is Equal
This might sound more like a pro, but in unions, employers can't terminate nurses who are just not good workers. The employer has to jump through the hoops, which means that you can be stuck with a coworker who doesn't pull their weight.
What's the Best Option?
This is not an easy question to answer. Quite simply, every nurse needs to consider if being a member of the union is a good fit. This isn't a "one-size-fits-all" scenario.
What do you think? Do you belong to a union? If so, would you recommend joining to others? Or, do you run for the hills everytime union membership is offered? We'd love to hear your thoughts.
