- What is Nurses United?
-
Nurses United is an independent collective bargaining agent and professional organization run for and by Nurses. It was formed in the Spring of
2003 by a group of staff Nurses at the Washington Hospital Center.
For detailed bios of our organization members visit our elected officials page
[FAQ Table of Contents]
- Why was Nurses United formed?
-
"Many Nurses felt that DCNA did not serve us well, especially since the mid-90's. Since then, we became increasingly concerned about turmoil, excessive expenditures, lack of unity, inability to respond promptly and professionally to the needs of nurses at the Center, and other serious matters at the organizational and staff level within that Association. Our efforts to try and solve these problems internally at DCNA were unsuccessful. We felt that the only option left to us was to vote out DCNA as our bargaining agent and replace it with Nurses United.
[FAQ Table of Contents]
- Does the hospital recognize Nurses United?
-
The hospital is obligated to recognize the union certified by the NLRB and to
negotiate with that union in good faith.
[FAQ Table of Contents]
- What is the advantage of being in Nurses United?
-
The best answer to this question comes from WHC Nurses themselves. Here is what some of them have to say:
"I trust the Nurses United leadership. Some of the most effective
representatives of staff Nurses at the Center are on the organizing
committee. They have proven ability to negotiate for us and to manage the financial and internal
affairs of our organization."
"Nurses United has begun preparing for negotiations. They have hired a lawyer with
experience negotiating contracts for Nurses and others. They have reviewed the existing
contract and discussed ideas on how to improve it. Plus, they are asking all
staff Nurses to volunteer with ideas and to serve on the negotiating
committee."
"We will be much better off when we know where are dues dollars goes and how our
money is being spent.I want to know that every part of my dues dollars is being used
to provide necessary services to my needs in the work setting. If I'm satisfied with my
work situation, my patients will receive much better care. With Nurses United, every dollar
will be accounted for."
" I know some Nurses who have wanted to get more involved in their union but were
unhappy and dissatisfied with DCNA, so stayed uninvolved. Now, they are ready and willing to get
involved in their own professional union, Nurses United."
"Nurses United pledges to provide increased accountability to the nurses it represents.
Nurses United pledges that officers and representatives are elected by nurses. They pledge
to protect staff nurses by negotiating a new contract that meets our needs.
Nurses United pledges to be financially responsible.
[FAQ Table of Contents]
- Can I still be a member of DCNA and ANA?
- Are the dues the same?
- Who accounts for how dues money is spent?
-
The leaders you elect will be responsible for dues money and how it is spent.
payments will be by check, signed by two elected officers of Nurses United. Regular
audits will be conducted by outside professional accountants and audited financial reports
will be available for review by any member who submits a written request for review.
[FAQ Table of Contents]
- Can we be guaranteed that the same thing will not happen to Nurses United as happened to DCNA?
-
Nurses United pledges that all persons handling funds will be bonded. Financial reports will
be made directly to the membership. Reports to the federal government will be available
to every member upon a member's written request for review. Plus, we will have frequent and fair
elections so that you can elect those who you trust, re-elect those who prove themselves
effective and honest, and replace those who do not.
[FAQ Table of Contents]
- What will I get for my dues?
- Negotiation of collective bargaining agreements.
- Representation in grievance matters.
- Organizing support for workers who wish to become part of our Union.
- Legal expertise relating to the NLRB election process, grievances, and other matters.
- A web site with up-to-date information.
- Education of individual members, officers, and representatives.
- Meetings held on a regular basis in convenient locations close to the hospital.
- Competent, experienced and trained professional staff whose only concern will be WHC staff Nurses
[FAQ Table of Contents]
- Can we talk about Nurses United while working?
-
Yes.While on break and before and after your shift you are free to discuss why
Nurses United is the best choice for you and the Nurses you work with.
[FAQ Table of Contents]
- Who is Nurses United's attorney and what experience does she/he have in contract
negotiations or in representing nurses?
-
Nurses United has contracted with Kathy Krieger, attorney with James & Hoffman Law firm.
She has practiced labor and employment law for more than 25 years, representing labor unions, individuals,
and non-profit organizations. For more information on this highly qualified individual, please go to: http://www.jamhoff.com/JHProfKrieger.shtml
[FAQ Table of Contents]
- Will this attorney be our own, continuously, or will we need to hire additional lawyers to negotiate
our contract?
-
Nurses United has hired an attorney with considerable negotiating experience. The
team will be selected by staff Nurses. There are many Nurses at WHC who have
experience negotiating contracts. Along with a competent attorney to guide us through
certain legal proceedings, Nurses United needs the solid backing of staff Nurses for the
negotiating process. As we grow, Nurses United will hire staff; both lawyers and
non-lawyers, to assure that the needs of our staff Nurses are met fully, promptly, and professionally.
[FAQ Table of Contents]
- How do I contact Nurses united?
|
