Posts tagged healthcare workers
‘Louisville is a union town’: A look back at the 2023 labor movement in the metro area
December 19, 2023 // This year, Kentucky saw 16 labor actions, including strikes and protests, which is more than the combined total of labor events in 2021 and 2022, according to Cornell ILR’s Labor Action Tracker as of Dec. 7. Each of these labor actions, from union giants such as Teamsters Local 89 at UPS and United Auto Workers Local 862 at Ford to the smaller labor actions at places including Heine Brothers Coffee, Sunergos Coffee and Rainbow Blossom, have resulted in victories for Louisville workers. “People are realizing, those that work for a living in places like Ford, in places like GE [Appliances], UPS and other large employers as well as the smaller employers, the baristas in these coffee shops ... that their only real option to progress themselves at their jobs and in their lives is to come together in solidarity as union members,” Londrigan said.
INDIANAPOLIS: Nurses at IU Health’s University and Methodist hospitals eye unionizing
December 11, 2023 // Other IU Health hospitals would not be part of the union. IU Health is currently in the process of expanding its downtown Indianapolis facilities – with the expectation that University and Methodist hospitals will eventually be consolidated sometime in 2027. “In the next five-plus years, or whenever that big building is done, we will be one hospital,” Armes said. Travel nurses would not be included in the union, but Armes said they have been supportive of their organizing. Bailey Pollard is another nurse working to unionize the two hospitals. He said nursing shortages are not a problem unique to IU Health.
Bitter strike over as nurses, N.J. hospital reach tentative agreement after 120+ days
December 3, 2023 // For months, the union members went without paychecks and benefits, which the hospital had cut off in September. The two sides were at a standstill, and for a time, it was unclear how they would find a path forward. The strike drew national attention, as U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) visited Rutgers University in October to hold a Senate committee hearing on the labor dispute and hospital staffing guidelines. At the event. Sanders expressed support for the nurses and the ratios they sought while lambasting hospital leaders for not appearing. The hospital — ranked the fifth best in New Jersey by U.S. News and World Report — had maintained that strict staffing ratios would not allow it the necessary flexibility during times of high patient volume. But many nurses said they were working in untenable conditions, often forced to juggle five or six patients during a given shift, which they said impacted the patients’ well-being as well as the nurses’ ability to provide adequate care.
Video: Howard Brown Health workers to begin 2-day strike at Chicago clinics Tuesday
November 14, 2023 // Howard Brown Health says they plan to maintain scheduled appointments for all services Tuesday and Wednesday but patients could experience some delays. Meanwhile union leaders plan to hold a news conference later Tuesday. A large rally at a clinic in Lakeview is set for Wednesday. The union plans to also boycott Howard Brown's Brown Elephant thrift stores. Howard Brown Health VP of external relations Katie Metos, issued a statement saying, "In response to the work stoppage, Howard Brown Health has implemented a contingency plan that ensures all patient appointments are fulfilled, while also following all labor regulations. Everyone who has a scheduled appointment during this strike will be seen. When our community members seek our care, they are relying on us to meet their vital healthcare needs. We are committed to being a reliable pillar of care for our communities.
Why strikes are working and which industries could be next
November 14, 2023 // A similar story could play out for other workers who endured hardships during the pandemic — and whose industries are still struggling to fill open positions, including teachers, childcare professionals, and food service workers. "From meatpacking plants to grocery stores and coffee shops, workers are realizing more than ever, not just how essential they are, but the strength that comes from standing together to improve their working conditions," Dave Young, International Vice President for the United Food and Commercial Workers union, told Insider.
‘A historic moment’: Oregon teachers launch first-ever strike
November 8, 2023 //
Thousands of Kaiser Permanente workers plan to stage 3-day strike Wednesday
October 4, 2023 //
Anti-labor group calls out SEIU for pattern of workplace misconduct: report
September 1, 2023 // The group rolled out a media campaign the same day, purchasing a TV commercial and a billboard in Times Square that read “Who’s America’s Worst Boss?” The sign featured pictures of SEIU President Mary Kay Henry alongside comedian and TV host Ellen DeGeneres and pop star Lizzo — both of whom have had workplace complaints lodged against them. Several male leaders at the union have received promotions in recent years despite being accused of harassment, according to the group’s report.
Dignity Health security officers vote to unionize
June 7, 2023 // The results have not been certified by the National Labor Relations Board. If results are certified, full-time and regular part-time emergency management safety officers, public safety security officers, security officers, and security officer leads employed by Dignity at 40 health facilities in California will negotiate their first contract. The vote comes after more than 18,000 healthcare workers at Dignity Health approved a contract that secured an election for security officers.
George Washington University Medical Residents Vote To Unionize
May 1, 2023 // Of the 455 residents and fellows eligible to vote, 253 ultimately cast their ballot in favor of organizing a unit, with 16 voting no. (To win, the group needed a simple majority.) They’ll be represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR), an arm of Service Employees International Union (SEIU). CIR also represents the residents and interns at Children’s National Hospital and Howard University Hospital. The organizing campaign began around the fall of last year as Miller and other colleagues gauged interest amongst their coworkers and connected with residents at other programs who had led similar unionization drives. Before filing for the election, a majority (67%) of residents and fellows signed authorization cards to be represented by CIR. GWU declined to voluntarily recognize the union, prompting organizers to file for a ballot election with the National Labor Relations Board — which took place Thursday.