California – The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has certified the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) as the representative body for approximately 125 Registered Nurses at Chino Valley Medical Center. The RNs will now go to the bargaining table with hospital management to develop a union contract that protects the rights of RNs in the workplace.

“It seems like a long time ago that we started this process,” stated Teer Lina, an RN in the Emergency Room at Chino Valley Medical Center. “I’m looking forward to finally bargaining so that we can begin to address the issues at the hospital.”

Prime Healthcare, the owner of Chino Valley Medical Center, sought an appeal to the union election held in April 2010, where a strong majority of the RNs voted to become UNAC/UHCP members. The appeal was denied by an Administrative Law Judge and a second appeal at the NLRB was also denied, and cannot be appealed. The RNs will now start negotiating a contract.

“Chino Valley nurses are committed to stand together for quality patient care and improved working conditions,” said Ken Deitz, RN, president of UNAC/UHCP. “We are pleased that the NLRB decision makes it possible for the nurses to gain a union contract that supports their goals.”

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United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals is the largest nurses union in Southern California and represents registered nurses and other health care professionals. UNAC/UHCP, as the association is known, is affiliated with the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO. For more information on UNAC/UHCP, visit www.unacuhcp.org.