healthcare

Joining a Nursing Union: Pros and Cons

Goodwork author

Goodwork author

— 3 min read
Joining a Nursing Union: Pros and Cons

Joining a Nursing Union: Pros and Cons

Getting involved with a nursing union can seem daunting, as there is no single nationwide union that covers the entire healthcare sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 20.4% of Registered Nurses (RNs) and 10% of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)/Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) are currently part of a union. Just like any significant decision, joining a nursing union has its pros and cons. While unionized nurses generally earn more than their non-union counterparts, salary should not be the sole factor in this decision. Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of union membership.

We'll discuss:

  • The function of a nursing union
  • Benefits of joining
  • Drawbacks of joining

The Function of a Nursing Union

Unions have existed for over a century, but interest in them within healthcare has surged recently, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing unions empower nurses, including RNs and LPNs/LVNs, to collectively advocate for their rights. These unions work to negotiate contracts that ensure better pay, safer work environments, and protection of nurses' rights. Several key organizations represent nursing professionals, including:

  • American Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (AFT Healthcare): As the second-largest nurses' union under the AFL-CIO, many of its members work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. It also represents around 15,000 school nurses.
  • National Nurses United (National Nurses United): Founded in 2009, this union consists of over 175,000 RNs in the U.S. It was formed by merging the California Nurses Association, United American Nurses, and Massachusetts Nurses Association.
  • Service Employees International Union – Nurse Alliance (SEIU Nurse Alliance): This group amplifies the voice of RNs in healthcare facilities and at legislative levels, advocating for safe staffing ratios and workplace protections.
  • United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) (UFCW): This union negotiates contracts for nurses, ensuring they can provide high-quality patient care while receiving fair compensation.

Benefits of Joining a Nursing Union

The collective strength of unions makes them appealing for many nurses. They negotiate contracts that offer several advantages:

  • Promote high care standards: Unions help define roles and expectations, preventing nurse burnout and promoting quality care.
  • Grievance processes: Unions offer protections for nurses by establishing processes to address complaints and protect them from retaliation by employers.
  • Secure wages and pay hikes: Union contracts ensure wages and pay increases that are not subject to employer budget cuts, providing stability and predictability.
  • Safe working conditions: Unions negotiate for safe work environments, including nurse-to-patient ratios and mandatory breaks, to protect nurses from excessive workload and stress.
  • Representation in disciplinary actions: Nurses have union representation during employer-initiated disciplinary actions, ensuring fair treatment.
  • Benefits and perks: Union contracts often secure benefits such as overtime pay, paid leave, and educational grants.
  • Advocacy for legislation: Unions advocate for favorable legislation that can improve care standards, patient outcomes, and work conditions.

Drawbacks of Joining a Nursing Union

Despite the numerous advantages, unionization may not be the right choice for everyone. Some potential downsides include:

  • Seniority issues: Unions often prioritize senior members for scheduling and staffing decisions, which may overshadow the performance of less senior nurses.
  • Mandatory strikes: Participation in union-led strikes may be required. Nurses who refuse to participate could face peer retaliation.
  • Membership dues: Union membership comes with dues, which can reduce a nurse's take-home pay. These dues may also fund political activities that some nurses may not agree with.
  • Mediation requirements: Every dispute in a unionized environment may require formal mediation, potentially complicating and prolonging the resolution process.

Unionizing Nurses in Your Workplace

Not every nurse will find unionization beneficial. The decision is deeply personal and should be considered carefully. Nurses who are interested in unionizing can contact the organizations listed above for guidance on how to start the process and advocate for change within their workplace.

For more information about unionization or to explore job opportunities within unionized healthcare environments, check out the GoodWork platform: Explore Jobs.

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