Nurses in non-union hospitals do not have the strengths or protections of nurses in union hospitals. Unionized nurses have guaranteed rights, a contract to hold their employer accountable to, and the knowledge that their workplace won’t be changed without nurses’ input.
Furthermore, forming a union levels the playing field between workers and management and gives nurses a way to address workplace issues meaningfully. Union nurses use their voices to bargain over employment terms and conditions, including but not limited to an employee’s job responsibilities, workdays, hours, breaks, vacation and sick days, pay, and benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, and retirement. Additionally, many nurses stand together to make improvements to their quality of care and quality of life at work, raising the standards for patients and nurses.
Contact Andre Minto at mnaorganizing@mnnurses.org to learn more.