What are your thoughts on unions?

[jkaee]

I started a new job in May working weekends. On Sunday, one of the senior nurses pulled me aside and asked me how I liked working there. Long story short, some of the nurses are interested in getting unionized, primarily to ensure mandatory staffing. They are having meetings with union representatives and eventually will have a vote. The RNs and LPNs will have their own seperate unions, the techs will not be union. What are your thoughts on unions? Are they a help or hinderance? I worry that if we go union TPTB will take away the weekend program with premium pay, esp if they are forced to hire agency to fill open spots. I am happy working there and would hate to see that happen. Any and all opinions are welcomed!

Thanks!

[zacarias, ASN, RN]

I work in a union hospital in WA and the benefits and staff satisfaction are great. I've worked at several union hospitals in WA and they all have great contracts. I think it not only depends on the unions, but also the region in the US that you are working.

[HelenofOz]

Here in NSW we have the Nurses Association (we're too polite to call it a union ). Membership is not compulsory, and is open to all nurses in the State. They negotiate with the employers on our behalf for our Award, thus all nurses working in state/public hospitals are covered by the same pay scales and working conditions, all nurses in private hospitals are under one award, aged care facilities (unfortunately their award is at a lower scale, but is slowly improving) etc etc.

Apart from pay and working conditions they provide advice on any work related issues-overtime, staffing ratios, on call queries, wage payment problems, and the important bits-assistance if you are asked to attend disciplinary or fact finding meetings; threatened with dismissal, have to provide a written report or statement, have to appear before any Commissions, Coronial Inquests or the Nurses' Registration Board. Apart from any personal idealogical issues this would be the main reason most nurses join the union-free legal representation in the event of your worst nightmare.

On top of all that they provide $AU100,000 in scholarships each year, all for less than $AU32 ($24.50 US) each month!

I really should be on commission.

[Mermer1030]

Here in NSW we have the Nurses Association (we're too polite to call it a union ). Membership is not compulsory, and is open to all nurses in the State. They negotiate with the employers on our behalf for our Award, thus all nurses working in state/public hospitals are covered by the same pay scales and working conditions, all nurses in private hospitals are under one award, aged care facilities (unfortunately their award is at a lower scale, but is slowly improving) etc etc.

Apart from pay and working conditions they provide advice on any work related issues-overtime, staffing ratios, on call queries, wage payment problems, and the important bits-assistance if you are asked to attend disciplinary or fact finding meetings; threatened with dismissal, have to provide a written report or statement, have to appear before any Commissions, Coronial Inquests or the Nurses' Registration Board. Apart from any personal idealogical issues this would be the main reason most nurses join the union-free legal representation in the event of your worst nightmare.

On top of all that they provide $AU100,000 in scholarships each year, all for less than $AU32 ($24.50 US) each month!

I really should be on commission.

That sounds like it is working for both sides, at a reasonable rate. Yes, I agree!! You should be on commission!