Why isn't there a Union for Nurses in Florida?

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 27, 2005

Because in some states, "union" is a very dirty word. Particularly in the South.

hollyster · Jul 27, 2005

Because in some states, "union" is a very dirty word. Particularly in the South.

You are soooo right. I went from the fire dept.that is very pro-union and employees were treated with dignity to a hsp were they will fire you if you even suggest unionizing and that treats it's staff like dirt, not just my opinion ther turn over rate is ridiculous. They will not tell you that you are being fired because of union activity or even discussing it. That would be against Federal law but Florida is an at will state so they can fire you without cause.

JM284 · Jul 27, 2005

You are soooo right. I went from the fire dept.that is very pro-union and employees were treated with dignity to a hsp were they will fire you if you even suggest unionizing and that treats it's staff like dirt, not just my opinion ther turn over rate is ridiculous. They will not tell you that you are being fired because of union activity or even discussing it. That would be against Federal law but Florida is an at will state so they can fire you without cause.

Do you know about some of the other states? I live in CT and you can find both union and non-union facilities but I was thinking of re-locating in a couple of yrs to a warmer climate.

BamaBound2bRN · Jul 27, 2005

I have worked in union jobs outside of healthcare and would NEVER be in a union again. It is just a great big scam. :angryfire

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2005

Florida is an "at will" state and can fire you for anything.

There are some union hospitals in Florida. Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Lakeland, Florida is one. And conditions have improved there since the union has moved in.

Nearby Winter Haven Hospital threatened to hire Filapino Nurses when the union tried to move in. The union got voted down but the Filapino nurses were brought in anyway. The facility has lousy morale but their CEO is dumping a lot of money into starting up an Open Heart program and in trying to attain Magnet status. It is sad that they are spending the money to get Magnet status but have badly mistreated their staff over the past 10 years.