Reply #55: I work as a nurse in a union [View All]

[ismnotwasm]

We vote tomorrow on our contract as a matter of fact. I've also worked as a nurse in a non-union position, both as a LPN and a RN. What I noticed is while the non-union job attempted to keep up with wages in a competitive manner, any slight advantage was lost when benefits got cut. And that happens when they felt like it. So When insurance benefits were cut, the wage didn't make up for it. When holiday pay got cut, the wages didn't make up for it. When vacation hours got cut the wages didn't make up for it.There was no support during disciplinary action. There was little scheduling flexibility. Even though there was no mandatory overtime (thank the unions!)We we held by our license to provide care, and complete documentation in sometimes atrocious working conditions. Many nurses worked "off the clock" technically illegal, but management would look the other way if the work was getting done. I could go on...

So I work now with representation. I hear nurses complain about union dues. I tell them the cost is so much higher without representation. I get decent wage increases. I have insurance options I can live with. I have flexible scheduling. I have a voice and I have representation to make sure that voice is heard. I don't know if any of that helps your argument, but I know what it's like from both sides of the fence. I'm a very proud union member today, and will take great pride and pleasure voting on a contract negotiated with my welfare, and the welfare of my patients in mind tomorrow.