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Cal Nurses Say It with Flowers: Pass the Employee Free Choice Act |
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With a nod to 1960’s “flower power,” some 1,200 members of the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (CNA/NNOC) called on Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) last week to co-sponsor and support the Employee Free Choice Act.
The nurses marched to Feinstein’s San Francisco home and each left a rose with personalized note attached describing their experiences and struggles trying to win a union at their workplaces. Many related stories of intimidation and harassment by management in their efforts to win recognition for their union—and the toll that such union-busting can take on patient care. Says CNA/NNOC Co-President Deborah Burger:
In the past, Sen. Feinstein has said she supported the bill, but appears to be wavering. 1,200 RNs made this house call to let her know that employers are trying to silence us when we advocate in facilities, and that patients end up paying the price for this union-busting. Employers are breaking the law in their harassment of nurses, and we deserve a free choice and a fair chance to speak up for ourselves.
Studies have shown that unionized nurses save lives, reduce turnover, and increase caregiver morale in facilities. That would be good for any hospital—and every patient.
This week, at the AFL-CIO Convention in Pittsburgh, both President Obama and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis spoke out in strong support of the Employee Free Choice Act.
1 Comment
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Feinstein along with other democrats both in the Senate and House must be reminded that they received organized labor’s support. If they cannot or will not acknowledge this; well labor needs to seriously give consideration to the late Tony Mazzochi’s position of forming a labor based party.
I for one am ready for this!