Sep 9 2009
1,200 registered nurses representing every state in the union will make a house call to Dianne Feinstein this Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. to demand she become a cosponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act. The nurse action will come as part of the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee national convention.
The nurses will leave a rose with a personalized note at the senator's residence in San Francisco telling their stories of being intimidated and harassed by management in their efforts to win recognition for their union -- and the toll that such union-busting can take on patient care. The nurses charge that the current labor law system is broken and serves to prevent RNs from exercising their right to unionize.
"In the past, Senator Feinstein has said she supported the bill, but appears to be wavering. 1,200 RNs are making 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," said Deborah Burger, RN, co-president of CNA/NNOC.
"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," Burger continued.