Issue link: https://nnumagazine.uberflip.com/i/1477982
13 VOICE AND RESPECT A STRONGER VOICE FOR SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS "Without the union, we wouldn't have been able to mobilize the nurses to stand together and demand the respect we deserve. From our solidarity, we were able to obtain a fair contract for our nurses that improves our working conditions and our ability to recruit and retain quality nurses we so badly need. We now have a commitment to use neg- ative pressure rooms for potentially infectious patients and guaranteed PPE supplies to help keep patients safe, which is critical to protecting patients and nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic. We also won safe floating protections and competitive wages that will help recruit and retain nurses." — Lisa Ryken, RN USC Verdugo Hills Hospital Glendale, Calif. OUR UNITY WON OUR CAMPAIGN FOR WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY "In our collective bargaining agreement with the University of California, we have bargained for, and won, strong health and safety lan- guage addressing infectious disease and hazardous substances exposure, workplace violence and sexual harassment prevention. The contract language provides for increased accountability and enforcement of regulatory standards and holds UC accountable for providing a safe workplace for nurses and patients." — Valerie Ewald, RN UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center Santa Monica, Calif. STANDING UP FOR OURSELVES AND OUR COMMUNITY "In our last contract negotiations, management tried to cut wages for newly hired nurses by 20 to 30 per- cent, even though they do the exact same work. Having a large, strong, organized union meant we not only beat back wage cuts, but instead won increases for every nurse in the bargaining unit. Beyond fighting for strong wages and benefits, Kaiser nurses are organizing for race and gender justice in our hospital and community. Being a CNA member means we're part of a larger social movement fighting for justice and equity for all nurses and patients." — Thuy Ho, RN Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center, Roseville, Calif. WHAT'S IN A CONTRACT » Most CNA/NNU contracts include these major elements: X Professional Practice Committee — an elected staff nurse commit- tee that addresses staffing and practice issues, meeting on paid time in the facility X Protections against unsafe floating X Restrictions on mandatory overtime X Annual salary increases and regular longevity step increases X Differentials (weekend, shift, charge, and preceptor) X Nurse Representatives — elected staff RN representatives from your unit who can assist you in interpreting your contract, filing a grievance, and organizing and communicating within your facility X Vacation, sick leave, and holidays X Paid educational leave X Retirement plan X Health benefits X Staffing ratios X Technology protections — ensuring that new technology won't replace RN professional judgment X Grievance and arbitration pro- cedure — formal procedures for resolving issues with management. X Per diem rights (Specifics of a contract vary from facility to facility.)