What Does It Mean for a Nurse to Work in a Union Environment?
Deciding to be a part of a union work environment is a personal choice. Union nurses have been around for decades, and have worked to improve working conditions for nurses as well as advocate for safe patient care. They have also lobbied for political action involving health care.
The Case For Joining a Union
There are both advantages and disadvantages of working in a union environment. One advantage is job security. Nurses account for a large chunk of an organization's budget. Therefore, when looking to make economic choices, nurses may be laid off by the company. Union nurses may have contractual clauses surrounding discipline and layoffs which makes unexpected termination obsolete. Moreover, employees can have a union representative assist and advocate for them when facing discipline or termination. Job security also applies to changing jobs within an organization. Union nurses can employ seniority rights to be considered for positions; the more senior the nurse, the better the chance at landing a job opportunity. Also, many nursing labor contracts have layoff or termination language which sets rules on those events – a benefit during hard economic times or if an organization is looking to make cuts.
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Another advantage is the benefits. Many union nurses enjoy benefits that have been negotiated between the employer and nurses. Medical and dental coverage, vacation and sick pay, and education leave are examples of benefits union nurses enjoy. Not only are they just covered, but unions help negotiate an improvement in benefit coverage throughout the life of the contract.
Another pro of being a union nurse is fair wages. Compensation is negotiated with the employer and is reviewed after contracts expire and can be based on the current cost of living in specific areas. Wages, as well as bonuses, are often negotiated in labor contracts.
Unionized nurses also have the advantage of "strength in numbers." When patient care or work conditions need to change, having a group with a common goal can lead to more success. The term "solidarity" is commonly used by unionized nurses as they work together to create change regarding patient care issues as well as work conditions.
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The Case Against Joining a Union
Working environments pose disadvantages for some. For example, some nurses work in an area where the goals of the union do not apply to them. Because of this reason, some nurses may not wish to pay union dues or picket if a strike is called.
Bargained wages can also be considered as a disadvantage for some nurses. When wages are fixed in a contract, there is no incentive to work harder or perform higher based on merit, as it is not recognized when it comes to pay. In other words, one nurse may be racing around during a shift while another isn't necessarily going above and beyond, but they get paid the same wage. This can lead to discord among nursing staff.
Another disadvantage is when nurses seek changes to their work schedule, time off, or other issues related to working conditions. Nurses in a union environment can expect that every facet of their work conditions will be run through the union. While this idea is advantageous in many ways, it can result in a loss for some. For example, if a nurse wishes to reduce hours or change shift times, the employer may need to run it by the union and officially post a job opening which opens it up to other nurses bidding on the new position. If a nurse with more seniority wants the position, it bumps the original nurse out of the running.
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Is Joining a Union Right For Me?
Deciding to be a nurse in a union vs. non-union environment is a personal choice. Nurses seeking employment should research the employer as well as the union status of its nurses before selecting a position. But beyond that, there are several other factors to keep in mind. To decide on whether or not joining a union is right for you consider the following:
- Personal Values: Reflect on your values and beliefs about workers’ rights, fair treatment, and collective action. If you strongly believe in the principles of solidarity and collective bargaining, joining a union may align with your values.
- Workplace Environment: Assess the conditions and culture of your workplace. Are there issues such as inadequate staffing, unsafe working conditions, or unfair treatment that you believe could be addressed through collective action? If so, a union may provide a platform to address these concerns.
- Job Security and Benefits: Consider the level of job security and the benefits you currently receive. Are you satisfied with your wages, healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and other benefits? A union may help negotiate better terms in these areas.
- Legal Protections: Research the labor laws and regulations in your area to understand your rights as a worker. Determine whether joining a union would provide additional legal protections or recourse in case of workplace disputes.
- Community and Support: Think about the importance of community and support networks in your professional life. Being part of a union can offer camaraderie, support, and advocacy from fellow nurses facing similar challenges.
- Financial Considerations: Evaluate the financial implications of union membership, including membership dues and any potential changes to your compensation or benefits. Consider whether the potential benefits of joining outweigh the costs.
- Long-Term Goals: Consider your long-term career goals and how joining a union may impact them. Will union membership enhance your professional development, job satisfaction, and overall well-being in the long run?
- Research and Consultation: Take the time to research different union options, including their track record, reputation, and the specific benefits they offer to nurses. You can also consult with current union members or representatives to get firsthand insights into the pros and cons of joining.
Upon completing an ADN from Pacific Union College, Catherine worked in various bedside roles until her career evolved into nursing leadership for a large HMO in Northern California. She then completed a BSN at the University of Phoenix and a Masters in Organizational Leadership at Colorado State University.
In addition to her freelance writing, Catherine is the founder and CEO of Burger Legal Nurse Consulting, is an advanced board-certified nurse executive, and is the CNO & Media Response Specialist for RegisteredNursing.org.
Situated in the beautiful Idaho mountains, Catherine loves traveling and spending time with her husband and their five children.