National Nurses United

O C T O B E R | N O V E M B E R | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 W W W . N A T I O N A L N U R S E S U N I T E D . O R G N A T I O N A L N U R S E 9 CALIFORNIA R egistered nurses at Hi-Desert Medical Center (HDMC) in Joshua Tree, Calif. voted nearly unanimously, 77-4, on Oct. 10 to unionize with the California Nurs- es Association/ National Nurses United (CNA/ NNOC). CNA will represent some 100 RNs at the medical center, which is part of the Tenet Healthcare system. "As patient advocates, we voted yes to have a collective voice to improve retention and recruitment of experienced RNs. Now, as we move to bargain a contract with HDMC, this will be one of our main priorities," said Erin Ingram, an RN in the medical-surgical unit at HDMC. The next step for HDMC RNs will be to elect a team of their colleagues to represent them in talks with hospital officials on a first collective bargaining contract. "As RNs, patient safety is always our top priority. By voting 95 percent yes, RNs at HDMC have shown that we stand together for improved staffing at our hospital. Now let's see what else we can achieve by standing together with the 4,000 RN-strong NNU Tenet Division at 12 hospitals throughout the country," Sonja Gerding, an RN who works in the sub-acute unit. RNs at HDMC are seeking wage parity with other Tenet hospitals, a stronger voice in patient care conditions, and a contract that requires the hospital to comply with the state's mandated nurse-to-patient ratio law to protect patient safety. —Staff report Hi-Desert rNs say yes to union CALIFORNIA V oicing concerns about safe staffing, retirement security, and other patient and economic protections, registered nurses at West Anaheim Medical Center in Anaheim, Calif. voted by 82 percent, 147-33, on Oct. 12 to join the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United. The 300 RNs who work at the medical center, part of the Prime Healthcare system, will join with colleagues at other Prime hospitals represented by CNA and NNU, including Shasta Regional, which recently also held a successful union election on Sept. 8. "We joined CNA so that we can boldly advocate for our patients and provide the quality of care that our community deserves," said Ester Cadavona, a medical- surgical RN. The vote margin was even more impres- sive given a hefty anti-union pressure campaign by the hospital administration. "We're excited to collectively bargain for fair and just wages so we can recruit and retain excellent nurses," said Purvi Patel, an RN who works in the direct observation unit. Other CNA/NNU-represented Prime hospitals include Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Reno, Alvarado Hospital Medical Center in San Diego, and Centinela Medical Center in Inglewood. Overall, CNA represents some 100,000 RNs in California, part of 150,000 RNs represented by NNU across the U.S. "We're especially pleased to welcome West Anaheim RNs to CNA," said CNA Co-President Malinda Markowitz, RN. "It strengthens the voice of RNs throughout the expanding Prime system, and builds the ability of RNs to better advocate for patients and themselves throughout Orange County with CNA." With their election secured, the WAMC RNs look forward to electing a team of their colleagues to represent them in negotiations with hospital representatives on a collective bargaining agreement. In addition to safe staffing, a secure retirement, and promoting RN retention, the nurses want to assure adequate equipment and supplies, increased support staff, and elevate other standards. "We're looking forward to joining our sister hospitals represented by CNA in the Prime Healthcare system to stand united for our patients, our communities and our families," said Jennifer Quach, an RN who works in the intensive care unit. —Staff report Orange County rNs vote to unionize Victory expands unionization within Prime chain

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