Sign up online to attend bargaining sessions.
New for this year’s bargaining: Members are invited to attend negotiations sessions in large numbers. See for yourself what happens at the Bargaining Table. Let our Bargaining Team know we’ve got their backs. And show management we’re serious about not stepping back, and only moving forward. Read our Q&A to find out more about attending bargaining.
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Each day, we… Read more
Last week ballots were counted in an election held by the UNAC/UHCP Executive Committee to elect our representatives to serve on the National Bargaining Committee. We are pleased to announce that the following leaders will be representing us:
Ken Deitz, RN, UNAC/UHCP President
Barbara Blake, RN, UNAC/UHCP State Secretary
Bill Rouse, UNAC/UHCP Executive Assistant to the Officers
Pam Brodersen, NP, Kaiser Downey Medical Office President, UNAC/UHCP
Cindy Klein, RN, Kaiser Riverside… Read more
Dues Increases
Union dues increase effective first pay period in February 2012.
Kaiser Affiliates – RNs, NPs and PAs – Dues will be $52.80 per pay period. Per diems – Dues are $2.64 per hour up to a maximum of 20 hours or $52.80 per pay period.
BVRNA (Bear Valley) – Dues will be $22.50 per pay period. Per diems – Dues will be $1.125 per hour up to a maximum of 20 hours or… Read more
UNAC/UHCP Holds Candidate Forum for 2012 Elections
On December 10, 2011, UNAC/UHCP participated in the first of two LA candidate forums sponsored by AFSCME. The forums allow union members and leaders from all Los Angeles area AFSCME affiliates to ask candidates questions about issues that affect our lives to candidates seeking endorsements in the 2012 elections. UNAC/UHCP State Secretary Barbara Blake, RN, took a very active role in the forum, asking each candidate questions about… Read more
New UNAC/UHCP staff attorney Richa Amar decided to join the labor movement after participating in a legal clinic where she represented garment workers before the Los Angeles Office of the Labor Commissioner. Yet she also credits her aunt with her decision to become a labor lawyer. When she was narrowing in on her life’s path, Richa had a conversation with her aunt about a bygone injustice that imperiled her aunt’s career. Her aunt’s union stood… Read more
You can support the on-going struggle of 300 Beverly Hospital RNs who are fighting for their first contract. Issues in negotiations include addressing poor staffing conditions, lack of supplies and equipment necessary to provide safe care and high RN turnover.
You can show your support by signing our online petition at http://www.unacuhcp.org/beverlychange and joining our Facebook page at http://www.unacuhcp.org/beverlyfacebook
On December 1, 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit heard oral argument on Chino Valley Medical Center’s (CVMC) appeal of the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) determination that it violated federal law by refusing to bargain with Chino RNs’ chosen representative, UNAC/UHCP. A three-judge panel, after having reviewed the written briefs filed in this appeal, asked questions of the attorneys representing CVMC, the NLRB, and UNAC/UHCP. The appeal is now under… Read more
On December 15, Beverly RNs held a candlelight vigil to shine a light on patient care and collect food for those in need in Montebello. Supporters also included UNAC/UHCP RNs from St. Francis and Kaiser, as well as representatives for US Congresswomen Grace Napolitano and Linda Sanchez, and California State Assembly Majority Leader Charles Calderon.
“Beverly Hospital had a choice,” said Susan Justin, ICU RN, at the vigil. “They could have sat down with their… Read more
You are cordially invited to an open house at the new offices of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals at 5030
Camino De La Siesta, Suite 306, San Diego, CA 92108.
Join us as we celebrate the new contract won by the Registered Nurses of the Sharp Professional Nurses Network and prepare for the upcoming Kaiser contract negotiations.
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Evelyn Minicucci, a retired Kaiser NP and long-time Union activist. As one of the founding UNAC nurses in the early 1970s, Evelyn served on the original Fontana negotiating team and was a Fontana strike captain during the 1977 Kaiser strike. Evelyn was selected for one of the first Nurse Practitioner classes at Kaiser and was a strong advocate for NPs. She was an active supporter… Read more
On December 3, Kaiser case managers, patient educators, nurse midwives, and WOCNs gathered to celebrate their recent vote to join UNAC/UHCP and plan the next chapter of the journey.
In speaking with case managers from Kaiser Antelope Valley, it became clear that for some, there is a serious issue not just with workload, but with basic human dignity and respect on the job. Case managers reported being able to cope only because soon, a union… Read more
It’s easy for us to think of “The Union” as something outside, away from our hospitals and apart from our daily work lives. But The Union is literally us, the members, united. The life’s blood and breath of our Union is member engagement and action.
I witnessed it over and over again last year: at Parkview, Garden Grove, St. Francis and Sharp, management couldn’t make a move in contract negotiations without members watching and taking… Read more
For healthcare and retirement, we’ve proposed:
• Free employee-only HMO coverage (we now pay 17.5% or more)
• Lower premiums for RNs on all other healthcare coverage levels
• No changes for the life of the contract to benefit levels, co-pays, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums
• Management to match 403(b) contributions up to 3% of our salary
Management continues to show lack of respect:
• Insisting on… Read more
UNAC/UHCP State Secretary Barbara Blake and Kaiser South Bay nurses join the CNA strike picket line at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center in their fight for safe staffing during breaks and meal periods. “Every Registered Nurse in California has a right to rest breaks and a meal period where they know their patients are being safely cared for. Not only is it the law, it’s the right thing to do for patients, and hospitals… Read more
Legal Representation Expense Reimbursement for UNAC/UHCP Members —
Upon completion of a written application by a UNAC/UHCP member, UNAC/UHCP may approve reimbursement of qualified expenses incurred as a result of a formal accusation, investigation notice, or formal settlement discussions and/or agreement with a California Healing Arts Board for the board governing the member’s healing arts licenses. To find out how to apply and learn about limits and
exclusions, contact your UNAC/UHCP staff representative. The… Read more
As a union activist, I feel a responsibility to look out for other union members first and foremost. When I go into meetings as a union representative, I’m not just
representing my unit, but my colleagues in other units as well. I look out for all my fellow Physician Assistants.
It was our Steward who helped me become grateful for the union. Without her even knowing, I watched and appreciated her work. She made… Read more
Governor Brown Vetoes Board of Nursing Renewal Bill
In October, Governor Jerry Brown vetoed a routine bill that would have extended the authority of the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) through 2015. The Governor took issue with first time hires who were to be given pensions, which he felt was irresponsible. The BRN added new investigators who would have the ability to subpoena, so they were classified as police officers.
The responsibility of the Board… Read more
The Public Affairs/Communications Department is pleased to welcome new staff member Jeff Rogers.
Jeff is a veteran of the labor movement, having led AFSCME Local 800, the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, to its first strike vote in 50 years. As President, Jeff was part of a group who re-energized the 500-member local in its mission to support charitable organizations. Later, Jeff was on the Board at AFSCME Council 36, before working in the communications… Read more
In yet another legal ruling against Chino Valley Medical Center (CVMC), an Administrative Law Judge found CVMC engaged in “egregious widespread misconduct” against Chino Valley RNs for organizing a union. The testimony, strength and commitment of Chino Valley RNs won this decision.
Crucial in the decision was the order to reinstate Ronald Magsino, RN, with full back pay and benefits. Ron was found innocent of all allegations made by CVMC.
The judge ordered CVMC, owned… Read more
The current Labor-Management Agreement (our union contract) between Kaiser and UNAC/UHCP will expire September 30, 2012. It will mark 40 years that UNAC/UHCP has bargained with Kaiser Permanente, since UNAC/UHCP was born in 1972.
We expect bargaining next year to be difficult. We are preparing now to have full participation of all Kaiser UNAC/UHCP members at all 13 Affiliates across Southern California.
National Bargaining: 95,000 Union Members Unite
Twenty eight different local unions, representing many… Read more
Registered Nurses at Sharp HealthCare ratified their contract in October after more than two months of
intense negotiation. Less than a week before nurses were to begin informational picketing at Sharp’s annual all-staff assembly, management agreed to key contract demands including a wage scale that recognizes RN experience and provides for annual wage increases. In addition, before this contract, Sharp could and often did force Registered Nurses to work for ten hours or more… Read more
As we say goodbye to the year that was 2011, I’m recalling how our union has grown in my first year as President. We won union representation for RNs at Beverly Hospital in seven weeks and have been fighting ever since for a contract. By the time you’re reading this, we will have secured recognition at Kaiser for over 1,000 specialty nurses and almost 200 CNM/WOCN’s. Meanwhile, we won a tremendous second contract for the… Read more
We are pleased to announce the 2012 Jerry Clark Memorial Scholarship program for the children of AFSCME members. This scholarship was established in 1990 in honor of Jerry Clark, who was deeply committed to progressive social and economic ideals and who served for many years as AFSCME’s Political Action Director.
The scholarship will be awarded to two students who are currently sophomores majoring in the social sciences. The winners will each receive $5,000… Read more
AFSCME has joined with Harvard University’s Labor and Worklife Program and the United Negro College Fund to give qualified college sophomores and juniors an opportunity to participate in a summer internship program with AFSCME as a way of learning more about the labor movement. Those who successfully complete the summer program are eligible for a scholarship for the following academic year from the United Negro College Fund. Participants will get an opportunity to do the… Read more
Forty five candidates for U.S. Congressional, State Senate, and State Assembly seats will each have 15 minutes to address officers from seven California AFSCME affiliates, including UNAC/UHCP, on December 10, 2011 and January 7, 2012. The candidate forums, taking place at the LA Metropolitan Water District next to Union Station in downtown, are an opportunity for us all to meet the candidates seeking to represent nurses and other health care professionals in Sacramento or Washington,… Read more
Concerned with patient safety, quality care, and the slow pace of bargaining, elected officials and community members will lead a rally in support of Beverly RNs in front of Beverly Hospital on Tuesday, November 8 from 11 am to 1 pm.
Our Bargaining Team is calling for us to join the rally, and gave the Hospital the required ten day notice at the bargaining table today.
This is not a strike. It’s our opportunity to… Read more
UNAC/UHCP members rallied Monday against the business practices of Prime Healthcare, Inc., the rich, for-profit hospital chain that owns Chino Valley Medical Center and Garden Grove Hospital. We rallied with union construction workers from IBEW Local 11 who are calling on Prime to pay wages in line with area standards on their construction projects at facilities like San Dimas Community Hospital, where the rally was held.
The rally came on the same day that an… Read more
Registered Nurses at Sharp HealthCare ratified their contract last night. The contract between United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals and Sharp covers 4,000 Registered Nurses at Chula Vista, Coronado, Grossmont, Mary Birch, Memorial and Mesa Vista hospitals; as well as non-hospital Sharp HealthCare nurses.
“Before this contract Sharp could and often did force Registered Nurses to work for ten hours without a meal break. We won ground breaking language that now requires… Read more
In the last year, UNAC/UHCP has emailed out critical information to members about contract negotiations, license notices, and health care benefits. Don’t be left out because we don’t have your email address. Send us your email address at publicaffairs@unac-ca.org along with your name and your affiliate.
UNAC/UHCP joined the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees (NUHHCE) in 1988. When NUHHCE was founded in 1932, it was the first union to represent health care workers. Once every three years, NUHHCE holds a convention for affiliates to come together to decide the future of the union. The following are UNAC/UHCP’s delegates and alternates to the 2011 NUHHCE Convention.
Delegates
Ken Deitz, RN, UNAC/UHCP
Barbara Blake, RN, UNAC/UHCP
Delima MacDonald,… Read more
Tamara Yildez’s union roots go back before her nursing career began—to Local 1167-UFCW. There, as a checker, she was able to work around her nursing school schedule, driven to become an RN. The importance of being in a union stuck with her.
For eleven years, Tamara worked as an RN before becoming a contract specialist with UNAC/UHCP. She says she realized she had been missing a huge opportunity to make a positive difference in her… Read more
UNAC/UHCP had two wonderful summer interns recruited from the UCLA Center for Labor Research and Education. The good news is that Wilfredo “Willie” Velasco-Vargas, originally from Montebello, still intends to become an emergency room RN. Sam Jung is headed to Oakland to organize youth of color, but says in the future he may pursue a labor career.
“I’m grateful for unions to protect what I consider the primary caregivers…they deserve respect,” says Willie. While interning… Read more
UNAC/UHCP has started organizing RNs at southern California Kaiser facilities. The RNs are facing uncertain wages outside of a fair wage grid, potential loss of their pension plan, the possibility of rising health care costs both now and when they retire, and arbitrary discipline and termination.
The job categories covered in the organizing campaign, formerly referred to as “Specialty Practice RNs,” include Emergency Department Repatriation; Patient Educators; Lactation Consultants; Case Managers; Wound, Ostomy and Continence… Read more
UNAC/UHCP member Millicent Manyore, RN, a seven year PCU RN from Kaiser West LA, founded Medical Missions Kenya after migrating from Kenya 12 years ago. Growing up in Kenya, she didn’t know the health system in Kenya was any different until she went to a doctor in the United States. She says “I had no idea what high blood pressure was let alone the fact that mine was high.” As a nursing student, Manyore brought… Read more
Despite the tremendous presence of St. Francis RNs day and night at bargaining, St. Francis Medical Center management refused to move their position on two key issues—safe staffing and a secure pension—during extended bargaining from May through August 2011. On August 30, by an overwhelming 98% margin, the St. Francis Registered Nurses Association voted to strike. When confronted with a strike, hospital management came back to the table ready to collaborate. Just a few days… Read more
Dear member,
One of the most important duties of a union is to help you get the best contract possible.
In this month’s issue, we’ll tell you more about the fight at St. Francis for a better contract. Time and time again we’ve found the best weapon in these fights is an energized membership at negotiations. During St. Francis bargaining last month, 150 Registered Nurses attended on a single day and were asked to introduce… Read more
Garden Grove Settled —
Garden Grove Registered Nurses voted overwhelmingly to approve a new contract that includes wage increases retroactive to October, 2010, and several contract improvements including bonuses, differentials and new holidays, while holding the line against proposed takeaways of our reserve sick bank and other benefits.
Parkview Bargaining Complete —
The Parkview bargaining team successfully negotiated some major contract improvements rarely seen in a second agreement, in addition to across-the-board wage increases. Due… Read more
At a hearing in Victorville on August 17, we urged the California State Attorney General not to approve the sale of Victor Valley Community Hospital to Prime Healthcare. Prime owns Garden Grove Hospital and Chino Valley Medical Center. Nurses, families of patients victimized by Prime, community groups, doctors and other unions all packed Victorville City Hall to oppose Prime.
Download the leaflet we distributed at the hearing: United Nures Stand Against Outlaw Prime.
Garden Grove… Read more
While the new health reform law, the Affordable Care Act, is being implemented gradually, there are some important improvements already in effect for patients. The following information can help UNAC/UHCP members and our patients understand the features of the laws.
UNAC/UHCP filed an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief in May in support of the American Nurses Association in a California Supreme Court case involving whether unlicensed school personnel should be allowed to administer insulin injections to children in public schools across California.
Plaintiff American Nurses Association asserts that the law permits only licensed school personnel, such as school nurses, to administer insulin injections. UNAC/UHCP supports that position because misadministration of insulin can lead… Read more
A few months ago, UNAC/UHCP filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge against Kaiser Permanente with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This charge was filed as a last resort after Kaiser refused to resolve an issue of concern to our members.
The “issue” was the wording on Investigatory Suspension notices. Kaiser threatened and intimidated our members with wording such as:
“Violation of the strict confidentiality requirements, which are an integral part of this investigation, may… Read more
UNAC/UHCP affiliate officers wasted no time in getting down to business on the first morning of their annual conference, when they considered the challenges and opportunities facing nurses and health care professionals from national health care reform, and the Governor’s efforts to balance the California state budget.
Beth Capell, a member of UNAC/UHCP’s legislative and policy advocacy team in Sacramento, discussed the Affordable Care Act (ACA). AFSCME and the U.S. Labor movement were instrumental in… Read more
“Before the union, nurses were treated like children. Now we’re treated with respect, we have a voice in what goes on in our workplace and in how patients are treated.”
The union saved our hospital. Sharp said we were losing money and tried to sell the hospital to a for-profit chain. We organized community groups and arranged for people from Washington to testify on our behalf at hearings. When a community gets organized, justice can… Read more
ST. FRANCIS BARGAINING —
Negotiations continue between Management and the St. Francis Registered Nurses Association. The two parties have reached agreement on a new just culture standard for discipline and discharge, leaves of absence, job postings, filling of vacancies, and expanded clinical ladder. Negotiations will continue in mid-July over wages, health insurance benefits, pension, and staffing.
PARKVIEW BARGAINING UPDATE —
Negotiations continue between Management and the Parkview Registered Nurses Association (PRNA) for a new contract.… Read more
The KP Contract Specialist Program has been launched in 2011 at our Kaiser affiliates with much fanfare. The program has been popular because the contract specialists receive fantastic training. They are thoroughly trained in the Kaiser Collective Bargaining Agreement with UNAC/UHCP. Throughout the one year term, the contract specialists assist UNAC/UHCP members to learn about their contractual rights. Kaiser Sunset Contract Specialist Teresa Mulroy, RN, explained that in addition to rounding, contract specialists also frequently… Read more
Most people know Registered Nurses simply as caregivers. And that we are. What the public doesn’t often see is that beyond functioning as “angels of mercy,” there are times when RNs must step in and forcefully advocate for patients in matters ranging from acquiring sleeping aids for a patient when none have been ordered to preventing life threatening medications from being administered.
Every day, Registered Nurses save lives. A Registered Nurse functions as more than… Read more
BEAR VALLEY BACK TO BARGAINING —
The Bear Valley contract expires at the end of June and the nurses are preparing for another round of tough negotiations. Negotiations will be led by Mike Zackos, RN, Staff Representative.
UNAC/UHCP RETIREE CHAPTER PLANS NEXT STEPS —
United Nurses Association/ Union of Health Care Professionals Retiree Chapter Committee member Brenda Jordan, RN, wants UNAC/UHCP members to know, “UNAC/UHCP does not end when you retire. It is a new… Read more
“The stronger we are, the stronger our union is,” Helen Bouman, RN and President of UNAC/UHCP’s Garden Grove affiliate, told the other Affiliate Officers this afternoon, as they worked together to lay out a vision for the future of the union over the next ten years.
Bouman told how Garden Grove nurses stood together when their hospital’s new owner unilaterally withdrew their sick leave accrual. The nurses filed a grievance, submitted evidence, and ultimately won… Read more
Affiliate Officers of UNAC/UHCP wasted no time in getting down to business on the first morning of their annual conference, when they considered the challenges and opportunities facing nurses and healthcare professionals from the new national healthcare law, and from efforts to balance the California state budget.
“We are member-driven,” UNAC/UHCP President Ken Deitz reminded member-leaders gathered at Cal Poly Pomona for the 2011 Annual Affiliate Officers Conference (AAOC). “Transparency and accountability are key to… Read more
Nearly 50 UNAC/UHCP RNs met in Washington DC last week along with RNs and other nurses from AFSCME represented locals all over the country to share our knowledge and skills both as union leaders and as Registered Nurses for the 13th UNA National Nurses Congress.
“As front line staff, the RNs provided stories of patients who must choose between food or medication, and patients who delay treatments due to finances and end up with… Read more
The fight for the rights of unionized workers in Wisconsin–nurses, teachers, and other hardworking caregivers–has captivated the country. Many United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) members have asked how the situation in the Midwest affects health care professionals in Southern California. It means everything.
On Wednesday, February 23, a delegation of UNAC/UHCP members and staff including State Secretary Barbara Blake flew to Madison, Wisconsin to support thousands of union members who… Read more
In a landslide election victory, Beverly Hospital RNs voted 161 to 57 to join UNAC/UHCP on February 25th. The National Labor Relations Board made it official by certifying the election on March 4.
Beverly Hospital RNs won their election despite a massive anti-union campaign conducted by the hospital’s CEO and a private consulting firm—the same firm Parkview Community Hospital used, unsuccessfully, to try to stop RNs there from organizing into UNAC/UHCP.
Despite all of management’s… Read more
On many days, it’s hard for Registered Nurses at the Chino Valley Medical Center (CVMC) to believe that the day will ever come when the elected Bargaining Team can actually sit down to negotiate a first contract with management. After a three year organizing campaign, and with the one year anniversary of the election night victory on April 1, 2010 near, CVMC still refuses to negotiate.
Rather than honor the wishes of their own nurses… Read more
I believe that the right for workers to bargain collectively over wages, benefits and working conditions helps keep our workplaces and our country democratic. It’s a right Americans have struggled and even died for. It’s why we joined UNAC/UHCP. It’s how we can provide patients the best possible care and also support our families. The right to bargain is under direct attack in Wisconsin—birthplace of AFSCME, our parent union.
See if this adds up. Wisconsin’s… Read more
Elected Officials Rally Behind Beverly Hospital Registered Nurses
With the support of elected officials representing the San Gabriel Valley, the Beverly Registered Nurses overwhelmingly voted for collective bargaining rights. State Senators and Assembly members, including a Congresswoman, made phone calls and wrote letters to the CEO of Beverly Hospital urging hospital management to refrain from union busting tactics and to allow the RNs a fair and transparent election. In addition, the Elected Officials also wrote… Read more
United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) sends out congratulations to Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center today on word of the final approval of their application for US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) financing. UNAC/UHCP and their colleagues have worked tirelessly to assist Parkview’s Administration in obtaining long term financial stability. Today’s development is a giant step towards that security.
Parkview Registered Nurses Association supports a continued collaborative effort to… Read more
2011 Dues Increases
SHARP — Effective with first pay day in January 2011 the new dues will be $40.99 per pay period . The per diem dues will be $2.049 per hour up to a maximum of 20 hours or $40.99 per pay period.
ST. FRANCIS — Effective with the first pay day in January 2011 the new dues will be $53.98 per pay period . The per diem dues will be $2.699 per hour… Read more
In 2010, UNAC/UHCP conducted its most successful PAC drive in its history by signing up over 850 new health care professionals to contribute $4 per pay period to the PEOPLE program. The PEOPLE program helps provide the monetary resources necessary to make the voices of health care professionals heard in the national political and legislative process. This success was accomplished the old fashion way – one health care professional talking to another about the importance… Read more
Jimmy Gomez
Political Director
A Series of Firsts
During these past 22 months, UNAC/UHCP and the political department achieved a “series of firsts” in empowering members to protect their own interests and that of their patients through the legislative and political process.
For the first time, we endorsed a slate of candidates for elected office – chosen by a bipartisan committee of UNAC/UHCP members – who would best represent our values and issues… Read more
For the first time in thirty eight years, our union is without the leadership of Kathy J. Sackman. And while we owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude, I can say with certainty we’re all going to be just fine. I know this because Kathy has left everything in good order. Now we must turn to the future.
While many of you know me, I am sure there are a number who do not. To… Read more
Governor Jerry Brown released his proposed budget on January 10th, which will now move through the legislative process. The budget must be reviewed by the Legislature and pass both houses with a two-thirds vote. It then goes back to the Governor, who can reduce or eliminate items. If tax increases are called for, they must be approved by voters before they can be applied. California’s fiscal year begins July 1.
UNAC/UHCP is currently reviewing the… Read more
UNAC/UHCP is collaborating again with Camp Laurel to find Volunteer Medical Staff (LVN, RN, NP, PA or MD licensed in CA) for the organization’s upcoming Winter Family Camp program in Big Bear, scheduled from February 19-22, 2011.
Camp Laurel provides educational and support programs to children, youth and families affected by HIV/AIDS. Camp Laurel enables children living with HIV/AIDS to… Read more
UNAC/UHCP provides an Advanced Labor Management Training that offers a practical application of the skills learned from the introductory Basic Labor Management Training to guide members in effective resolution of grievance, arbitration, corrective action and other issues at their affiliates. UNAC/UHCP held its most recent Advanced Labor Management Training in November with nearly 30 members in attendance.
“With UNAC/UHCP we know we are not alone and have collective bargaining agreements that allow us to stand… Read more
Governor-elect Jerry Brown (left) appeared at the AFL-CIO Los Angeles County Federation of Labor Delegates meeting on December 20, 2010. He thanked the many member unions who represent California’s working families for the hard work they contributed to his campaign. Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO representatives also pictured (l to r): Thom Davis, Vice President; Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary-Treasurer; and Nancy Oshima, Director of Administration and Finance.
The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) congratulates affiliate members at six of its represented hospitals named to Leapfrog’s 2010 Top Hospitals list. The awardees were selected from a field of almost 1200 hospitals measured on crucial areas of patient safety and quality care.
“Our registered nurse and health care professionals are the frontlines of patient care at their facilities,” stated Kathy J. Sackman, RN, president of UNAC/UHCP. “They work with… Read more
Nurses represent the largest segment of United States health care employees, numbering over three million. Nurses have significant patient contact as the frontline providers at the bedside. However, various barriers limit their ability to function at their full capacity. A new report developed by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Institute of Medicine (IOM), titled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” offers several recommendations to promote advancements in health care by expanding… Read more
After thirty three years, I will retire at the end of the year as your President.
I have often talked about UNAC/UHCP’s beginning when a small group of nurses met in the clubhouse of a trailer park to discuss ways to improve our working conditions. Our first meeting was held on May 21, 1972.
We had nurses from four hospitals talking on that day – Balboa Naval, Los Alamitos, LA County, and Kaiser Fontana –… Read more
What can I say about Kathy, WOW! To think that over her career, she has led UNAC/UHCP to grow from one small group of nurses in Fontana to over 18,000 Registered Nurses and Health Care Professionals. To me, that is totally amazing. While a proven leader, Kathy has always looked at what was the best thing to do for the patients and the UNAC/UHCP members. Not only has she led to meet their needs, she… Read more
The largest nurses union in Southern California congratulates the new Attorney General, Kamala Harris, who will have several responsibilities related to improving the quality of patient care throughout the state.
Los Angeles – The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) congratulates Kamala Harris, California’s newest Attorney General, on her electoral victory. UNAC/UHCP’s Political Action Committee endorsed Harris earlier this year; however, the election results were not finalized until November 30th.
“We… Read more
This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, which was passed in response to the problem of healthcare workers being exposed to bloodborne pathogens (HIV, hepatitis, etc.) via sharps injuries. The Act directed OSHA to modify its existing bloodborne pathogen standard to require that employers update their exposure control plans to reflect advances in technology (e.g., needleless systems and sharps with injury protection); maintain sharps injury logs; and solicit input… Read more
Kaiser South Bay UNAC/UHCP members joined their colleagues at the medical center’s second annual Trick, Treat and Trek 5K Run/Walk and Thrive Fair on October 27, as part of Kaiser Permanente’s Healthy Workforce program. The program was negotiated as part of Kaiser’s 2005 National Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, which includes UNAC/UHCP.
The Trick, Treat and Trek event is one of the first Healthy Workforce… Read more
San Diego, CA – The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) is partnering with the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council and other local affiliate unions for the Labor Council’s annual holiday food and toy drive. The food and toys are collected from Labor Council affiliates and distributed to union families in need during the holiday season.
UNAC/UHCP will be collecting new, unwrapped toys, canned food and dry goods at… Read more
UNAC/UHCP Joins Protest Against “Biggest Loser”
UNAC/UHCP showed its solidarity with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) on Thursday, November 18, by joining in the strike against the producers of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” The show’s 50 production crewmembers voted unanimously to make IATSE their union in an effort to gain health coverage and address workplace concerns. The show’s producers have not agreed to discuss a union contract and hired replacement workers,… Read more
Kaiser South Bay Health Care Professional Association members sadly report the loss of their beloved member Jacqueline Felisco, RN. Jackie worked as a Registered Nurse with Kaiser South Bay beginning in 2007. Her coworkers fondly remember her as a true friend who was always ready and willing to lend a hand and never failed to light up the room with her infectious laugh and warm smile.
Jackie’s absence is felt by all those whose lives… Read more
Southern California – The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), which represents a significant population of Filipino Registered Nurses and other health care professionals, held its 34th Convention at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada from November 7 through 10.
“We are a diverse union and it is through that diversity that we are best able to meet the needs of the communities our members serve and live in,” stated Kathy… Read more
Bear Valley, CA – United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) and more than 200 employees at Bear Valley Community Hospital are calling on the hospital Board of Directors to come back to the negotiating table. Registered Nurses and other health care professionals at the hospital are seeking a new three year contract to replace the one that expired on September 30. Members of the negotiating team submitted a counter… Read more
Ann Mayo, RN, DNSc presented a continuing education class to UNAC/UHCP members on best practices in nursing care for older adults. Dr. Mayo noted that, currently, 80% of Americans 65 years and older are living with at least one chronic illness and nine out of 10 older adults linger and experience a downward spiral instead of dying suddenly. This population is expected to at least double by the year 2030 to approximately 71 million people,… Read more
Troy Seagondollar, RN-BC, MSN, UNAC/UHCP Registered Nurses Technology Liaison, provided a continuing education class on the meaningful use of electronic health records. Troy covered a history of electronic medical health records in the United States, existing medical record management tools and expectations for Registered Nurses as the information brokers for their patients. Troy instructed on the core requirements for records administration based on meaningful use criteria ascribed by the Office of the National Coordinator on… Read more
The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) opened its 34th Convention today at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the opening address, long time UNAC/UHCP President and founder Kathy J. Sackman, RN announced her retirement.
Sackman recounted the organization’s origins in 1972 with Balboa Naval Hospital, Los Alamitos Hospital, Kaiser Fontana and McDonald Douglass implant nurses, who were jointly dissatisfied with their existing representation. Beginning as a group… Read more
San Dimas, CA – The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) is pleased to announce that Barbara Lewis has joined the Southern California-based nurses’ union as the Director of Collective Bargaining and Representation Services.
Lewis will work with the UNAC/UHCP affiliate leadership to continue strengthening and building UNAC/UHCP’s representation and collective bargaining programs. Lewis’ focus will be to ensure that UNAC/UHCP members have the primary voice in protecting and advancing high… Read more
The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) congratulate the once and future California Governor Jerry Brown on his election victory last night.
“It is critical to have a governor who understands the vital role nurses play in the delivery of health care. Our State’s governor has the power to appoint seven of the nine Board of Registered Nursing members. The governor has considerable influence on any legislation being crafted in the… Read more
San Dimas, CA – The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) is pleased to announce Rob Penney, Ph.D., has joined the Southern Californian nurses’ union as Organizing Director this month.
Penney will develop and manage the union’s organizing program, as well as build local leadership at UNAC/UHCP’s affiliates. His priority will be organizing RNs and other health care professionals seeking a voice in the workplace in order to improve the quality… Read more
UNAC/UHCP nurses from Kaiser Panorama City are shown phone banking for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown in this news segment about the 2010 election. Voters will go to the polls on November 2.
The Garden Grove Registered Nurses Association (GGRNA) Negotiating team met on October 25 with Prime Healthcare again to negotiate our new contract. We are still being strongly supported by our members, who continue to attend in large numbers.
Although we conducted bargaining using sidebars rather than meeting at the bargaining table this session, we achieved several major gains.
Extra Holiday!
Memorial Day was added to… Read more
Former President Bill Clinton joined Representative Loretta Sanchez, a host of other elected officials and candidates, and hundreds of local residents on Friday, October 15, 2010 at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana to urge Californians to vote in the upcoming election on November 2.
United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) State Secretary Barbara Blake, RN, and other UNAC/UHCP activists attended the rally meant to encourage voters to talk… Read more
Pettis Memorial Registered Nurses Association (PMRNA) has made huge strides in growth, increasing our membership this year by 71 members as of the end of September.
Your awareness and interest in becoming active ensures we remain a thriving and integral part of the Loma Linda VA Hospital. We encourage you to become StarRNs on your respective units. For more information on becoming a StaRN, please speak with one… Read more
Most of us look forward to retirement with excitement, and some trepidation. We have to adjust to losing the structure of our work routines. We have to adjust to losing the daily social interaction with our colleagues. And, we have to adjust to losing the security of our work income. This last adjustment is best managed with a well designed retirement plan – a plan with some degree of certainty.
Historically retirement income has been… Read more
Troy Seagondollar, RN-BC, MSN, currently serves as the UNAC/UHCP Registered Nurse technology liaison, a position that works jointly with Kaiser and UNAC/UHCP to address issues that arise regarding Kaiser’s electronic medical records system, KP HealthConnect.
This Labor-Management Partnership assignment allows Troy to: give nurses a voice in the enhancements and changes made to KP HealthConnect build a support system for nurses at the medical centers; and engage more RNs at the medical centers.
Troy has… Read more
PEOPLE is the political program that allows UNAC/UHCP to fight for our members’ rights using voluntary financial contributions. Those contributions are essential in defeating bills like SB 1111, which would have posted nurses’ home addresses on the Internet.
If you would like to become a PEOPLE member, or are interested in becoming a PEOPLE recruiter, please contact Jeremy Lanni, UNAC/UHCP Political Representative, at jeremy@unac-ca.org or (909) 451-3797.
UNAC/UCHP protects our members’ legislative interests in Sacramento by helping elect candidates who demonstrate a commitment to work with nurses and health care professionals to improve our health care system and the delivery of patient care. Fortunately, during this past June’s primary election, UNAC/UHCP won big with 12 out of 13 endorsed and supported candidates winning races for State Senate, Assembly and Statewide office.
As an early supporter and endorser, our wins came in the… Read more
Christy McConville recently joined UNAC/UHCP as the public affairs director after moving back home
to Los Angeles. Her experience is varied, touching the fields of communications, public relations, public affairs, Internet strategy and field organizing. Christy previously lived in Washington, D.C. for nine years, working in the public affairs department at Ketchum Public Relations for the past two years. She has also worked for several political and progressive organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, Center for… Read more
It’s been another busy summer in Sacramento for UNAC/UHCP, with numerous nursing and health care professional bills making their way through the legislative process. UNAC/UHCP State Secretary Barbara Blake, RN, worked closely with the office of Assembly Speaker John Perez on AB 2385. This legislation aims to facilitate the graduation of community college nursing and allied health students by expanding class formats and availability at select community colleges through a seven year pilot program. Underlying… Read more
NLRB Dismisses Charges – In a recent ruling, UNAC/UHCP was cleared of any misconduct during the Chino Valley organizing campaign that preceded the Registered Nurses vote to unionize in April. Following the election victory the hospital, owned by Prime Healthcare Services, filed 29 objections with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) alleging UNAC/UHCP election misconduct. On July 7, an Administrative Law Judge from the NLRB overruled all the hospital’s objections, clearing the way for us… Read more
This morning, U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) personally delivered a message to the Garden Grove Nurses Association as they begin contract negotiations: “We are with you.”
Rep. Sanchez spoke to officers in the nurses association as they head into potentially difficult negotiations with Prime Healthcare next week. The Garden Grove Nurses Association (GGNA) is an affiliate of United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), who will lead the GGNA team in negotiations.… Read more
Hospital Employee Workers’ Compensation Presumption
(Nancy Skinner – D)
Creates presumption under workers compensation that hospital employees who suffer from back or neck injuries, MRSA, and other blood-borne infectious diseases are job related.
(Sandre Swanson – D)
Expands job-protected leave to include care for adult children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren and parents-in-law, assuring protection of long term financial security for California workers.… Read more
AB 371: Health Facilities/Safe Patient Handling (Huffman – D)
This bill would have required every general acute care hospital that applies for tax-exempt bonds to specify how the hospital plans to implement or has implemented a program with a safe patient handling policy.
UNAC/UHCP Position: Yes – Support
ASSEMBLY: 44 – 29, 8/30/2008, Pass
SENATE: 22- 16, 8/29/2008, Pass
GOVERNOR: Vetoed
AB 638 Student financial aid: California Physician Assistant Loan Assumption… Read more
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) statistics, only 1% of nurses have issues that may prevent them from being competent, professional practitioners. Last year, the Los Angeles Times and ProPublica published an expose on the BRN. The story revealed some disturbing facts, including that, on average, it took the BRN over three years to investigate nurses who had been accused of misconduct. These nurses were able to remain in good standing with… Read more
“In a tough economy, this Agreement is remarkable – it sets a national standard for wage increases and maintenance of all benefits.”
- Kathy J. Sackman, RN
UNAC/UHCP President
A new two-year National Agreement was reached between the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions (CKPU) and Kaiser Permanente on May 28 and was approved by the CKPU Delegates Conference on June 12. UNAC/UHCP held member informational meetings the week of June 14… Read more
The Bear Valley Community Health Care District negotiations for a new agreement are progressing, though bargaining has extended beyond the current contract’s June 30, 2010 expiration. UNAC /UHCP anticipates a new agreement will be reached sometime in July.
Lakewood Registered Nurses Association (LRNA) members overwhelmingly approved a new three-year collective bargaining agreement on Thursday, June 10. The new contract, retroactive to May 6, provides for annual wage increases, an increase in night shift differential, an additional holiday, restoration of hospital’s extended sick leave program, and other improvements. Although negotiations extended beyond the existing contract’s expiration date, both the LRNA negotiating team and management worked hard to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion,… Read more
UNAC /UHCP staff and members from Garden Grove, St. Francis, Fountain Valley, Lakewood and Chino Valley affiliates came together at a social mixer on June 23 to celebrate some of their recent organizing and negotiation successes and upcoming negotiations for Garden Grove and St. Francis.
UNAC/UHCP members are committed to caring for those in need and often volunteer their personal time and expertise to ensure that vulnerable people receive some form of basic health care. Jesus G. Huesias, an RN at the Kaiser Baldwin Park Infusion Center, is one of our members who goes above and
beyond to provide that care.
Jesus participated in a mission trip to Burundi, Africa last August – a country with the lowest per… Read more
Chino Valley NLRB Hearing – The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) hearing to address Prime Health Services’ objections to our election victory was completed on June 7. Both sides submitted written legal briefs on June 21 and we expect a Board ruling could be issued in late July or early August. In the meantime, we have filed more than a dozen Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges against the company, as they have continued their aggressive… Read more
Constitutional amendments to be considered at this year’s Convention must be submitted by August 12*, 2010. Article XIV explains how:
Section 1401 – Proposed Amendments to the UNAC/UHCP Constitution may be submitted to the State Convention by request of the Executive Council, the Board of Directors, Resolutions Committee, or an Affiliate. All Amendments introduced by an Affiliate shall bear the signatures of at least two (2) elected officers of the Affiliate certifying that the Amendment… Read more
UNAC/UHCP’s legislative team has worked tirelessly to protect and promote the interests of our members and patients in Sacramento. This hard work has paid off with major developments on bills impacting physician assistants, the individual health insurance market, and the special recognition of nurses as a vital component of our health care system.
The Physician Assistant Practice Act (SB 1069 – Pavley) unanimously passed the Senate Floor and cleared two of three Assembly committees. If… Read more
The 34th UNAC/UHCP Convention is just around the corner. Join hundreds of your colleagues to celebrate this year’s theme, “Professions with Passion,” conduct union business, participate in electing State Officers and open Board of Directors seats, network with other affiliate members and enjoy Las Vegas.
The 2010 Convention will be held at the Planet Hollywood Hotel in Las Vegas from Monday, November 8 to Wednesday, November 10. A delegate reception will be held Sunday evening,… Read more
Registered Nurses from UNAC/UHCP are among those currently providing medical care at Camp Laurel, a summer program for children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS offered twice yearly in Bear Valley. The RNs are providing medical services during the rest of the weeklong camp to all of the children and adults supporting the program.
“As an RN, I am committed to ensuring that all people who need health care have access to it,” stated Lorraine… Read more
The votes are in and the results are clear: the Kaiser National Agreement was overwhelmingly ratified by UNAC members. Ballots were mailed the week of June 28, and voting was complete the week of July 6.
The new Agreement provides for 3.5% across-the-board wage increases on October 1 of 2010 and 2011 for UNAC/UHCP-represented RNs, NPs and PAs; an improved wage grid for ODs effective October 1, 2010 and a 3% ATB on October 1,… Read more
The Lakewood Registered Nurses Association (LRNA), an affiliate of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) overwhelmingly approved a new three-year collective bargaining agreement on Thursday, June 10. The new contract, retroactive to May 6, provides for annual wage increases, an increase in night shift differential, an additional holiday, restoration of hospital’s extended sick leave program, and other improvements.
Although negotiations extended beyond the existing contract’s expiration date, both the LRNA negotiating team and management worked… Read more
UNAC/UHCP congratulates newly elected California State Assembly Member Mike Gatto, victor in the runoff special election for the 43rd District.
“UNAC/UHCP is proud to have been the only nurses union to endorse Assembly Member Mike Gatto in the special election primary, and to continue that support through to the runoff election. He demonstrated a willingness to engage our membership to discuss how best to improve our healthcare system and the delivery of patient care through… Read more
UNAC/UHCP is collaborating with Camp Laurel to find Volunteer Medical Staff (LVN, RN, NP, PA or MD licensed in CA) for the organization’s upcoming summer/teen camp program, scheduled from July 4-10, 2010.
Camp Laurel provides educational and support programs to children, youth and families affected by HIV/AIDS. Camp Laurel enables children living with HIV/AIDS to experience the magic and wonder of childhood without the stresses of their daily lives.
Medical volunteers are responsible for distributing… Read more
Click here to view the changes to changes in the new Fountain Valley Professional Association contract.
National Nurses Week is a wonderful opportunity to thank nurses for their many contributions to improving the quality of health care and advancing their profession.
In celebration of National Nurses Week every year, UNAC/UHCP donates $10,000 to a charitable organization chosen by one of our affiliates on a rotating basis. In light of the catastrophic magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, the UNAC/UHCP Executive Council approved an increase in the… Read more
On May 7th, Anna Marie McCloud, RN, was chosen as the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center’s (LAMC) 2009 UNAC/UHCP Nurse of the Year.
For this year’s theme, “Nurses: Caring Today for a Healthier Tomorrow,” 83 nurses were nominated by their colleagues based on their willingness to work as a team, promotion of Labor Management Partnership principles, and contributions to high quality patient care. The committee responsible for selecting the UNAC/UHCP Nurse of the… Read more
It is often all too easy to take the rights and protections we have as union nurses and health care professionals for granted. For many of us, all we have known is the security that our union contracts provide us, protecting us when we speak out for our patients, their families, and our professions.
For a moment, imagine that you don’t have the benefit of that safety. Imagine being confronted by your hospital medical chief… Read more
Fountain Valley Professional Association (FVPA) members voted on April 20, 2010 to ratify a new three-year collective bargaining agreement. The new contract, retroactive to February 2, provides for annual wage increases, an increase in on-call pay, an additional holiday, restoration of the hospital’s extended sick leave program, and other improvements. A record number of FVPA members participated in the full day of voting.
“I think it is one of the strongest contracts we have… Read more
Sharp Professional Nurses Network (SPNN) members overwhelmingly approved a new 15-month agreement on April 30. The new agreement only modifies a few contractual terms. “With the economy still climbing out of recession, we believed limiting our scope of bargaining to a few topics, like fair wage increases and a relatively short agreement duration, was the right thing to do,” says SPNN President Chris McGovern, RN. “Our plan is to readdress the contract late next year… Read more
In a strong showing of solidarity, approximately 125 Chino Valley Medical Center (CVMC) nurses voted overwhelmingly to join UNAC/UHCP during a two-day NLRB election held April 1 and 2. “As nurses, we want to create a work environment that makes it possible for us to provide the highest quality of care to our patients,” said Teer Lina, RN, BSN, in the hospital’s Emergency Department. “Now that we are members of UNAC/UHCP, we can directly impact… Read more
Negotiations for a new national agreement started in early April between Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, including UNAC/UHCP. Three multi-day sessions have been held, and a fourth session is scheduled in late May.
Negotiations are being conducted by a 111-member Common Issues Committee (CIC). The CIC is composed of 68 union representatives and 43 KP management participants. UNAC/UHCP is represented on the CIC by Kathy Sackman, RN, UNAC/UHCP President; Ken Deitz,… Read more
BVRNA - The Bear Valley Registered Nurses Association begin contract negotiations May 20th. All BVRNA members are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact a BVRNA affiliate officer.
UNAC/UHCP – Kyle Serrette, Organizing Director for UNAC/UHCP for the past three-and-a-half years, has accepted a new position with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in Washington D.C. Kyle helped nurses organize at Kaiser Permanente, Parkview Community Hospital and Chino Valley Medical Center. We… Read more
Want to attend the 2010 Convention as an elected delegate? Want to submit a Constitutional amendment to be considered at the Convention? Instructions and forms will be mailed to your home soon.
As previously reported in the Voice, UNAC/UHCP had several concerns about SB 1111 (Negrete McLeod), the Consumer Health Protection Enforcement Act. UNAC/UHCP is deeply committed to safe patient care; however, we are just as committed to protecting the rights and safety of all health care professionals. Establishing draconian regulations in the name of consumer safety may actually have the opposite effect for patients and health care providers.
SB 1111 would have imposed many changes to… Read more
Negotiations for a new national agreement started in early April between Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, including UNAC/UHCP. Three multi-day sessions have been held, and a fourth session is scheduled in late May.
Negotiations are being conducted by a 111-member Common Issues Committee (CIC). The CIC is composed of 68 union representatives and 43 KP management participants. UNAC/UHCP is represented on the CIC by Kathy Sackman, RN, UNAC/UHCP President; Ken Deitz,… Read more
Sharp Professional Nurses Network (SPNN) members overwhelmingly voted to accept a new 15-month agreement on April 30, moving away from their mid-summer expiration date. The new agreement runs from July 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011.
The new agreement only modifies a few contractual terms. “With the economy still climbing out of recession, we believed limiting our scope of bargaining to a few topics, like fair wage increases and a relatively short agreement duration, was… Read more
Fountain Valley Professional Association (FVPA) members voted on April 20, 2010 to ratify a new three-year collective bargaining agreement. The new contract, retroactive to February 2, provides for annual wage increases, an increase in on-call pay, an additional holiday, restoration of the hospital’s extended sick leave program, and other improvements. A record number of FVPA members participated in the full day of voting.
“I think it is one of the strongest contracts we have been… Read more
Over the past decade, UNAC/UHCP played a key role in establishing California’s mandated nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, which were designed to improve the quality of patient care and keep good nurses at the bedside. A Health Research and Educational Trust study released this year confirmed the benefits of mandated nurse ratios, determining that the California nurse-to-patient ratio requirements are significantly associated with better patient outcomes than in other states that do not have such requirements.
Noting… Read more
United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) members and staff participated in the AFSCME California State PEOPLE Convention in Sacramento on March 14 and 15. Members from all eight AFSCME California affiliates came together to vote on the political endorsements for state public offices.
In addition, attendees visited the Capitol to lobby legislators on bills important to our affiliates. The UNAC/UHCP representatives met with seven members of the Business and Professions… Read more
The U.S entered a recession in late 2007. It’s been called the “Great Recession,” referring to the Great Depression of the 1930s. Certainly this is the longest and deepest since then, with more than 8 million jobs lost. There is, however, widespread belief among economists that the recession is over. But it sure doesn’t feel like it, and won’t for some time to come.
For Registered Nurses and other Health Care Professionals, it may not… Read more
Contract negotiations between the Fountain Valley Professional Association (FVPA) and Fountain Valley Regional Hospital continue as of the printing of this issue of the Voice. Despite a lot of hard work from both sides, no new agreement was reached before the contract’s February 1 expiration date. As a result, the current contract has been extended, negotiations are continuing, and a Board of Inquiry (BOI) has been convened for early May if no new agreement is… Read more
KP national bargaining is set to begin April 6th and is expected to continue through late May or early June. As with the previous two contracts, local bargaining will begin after the completion of national talks. National bargaining will be different this year, with a single committee of senior leadership and rank and file employees undertaking the work. Using a proportionality formula, UNAC/UHCP has been allocated six committee positions.
Representing us will be: Kathy J.… Read more
The Lakewood Registered Nurses Association (LRNA) held a negotiations kickoff event in late February which was well attended. Union members had the opportunity to meet with their affiliate officers, UNAC/UHCP state officers and department directors to discuss upcoming Negotiations and other issues. In addition, the nurses completed a bargaining priorities survey. The LRNA negotiations team will be led by UNAC/UHCP Staff Representative Joy Harvey, RN, and includes LRNA officers and members Joel Emerson,… Read more
Sharp Professional Nurses Network is currently preparing for contract negotiations. Several general membership meetings are being held March 16th to allow SPNN leadership to provide insight as to what can be expected during negotiations and to obtain feedback from all represented Registered Nurses. The SPNN contract expires June 30, 2010.
UNAC/UHCP – The 2010 Advanced Labor-Management class schedule has been set. The two-day class will be held March 17-18, June 16-17, September 15-16 and November 17-18 at the UNAC/UHCP San Dimas office. To register, contact the UNAC/UHCP office.
Kaiser– As a result of KP reaching its 2009 financial performance target, Kaiser union members with at least a year of employment received a 1% employer-paid contribution to their retirement savings plan account in early March.… Read more
Eric Robles recently joined UNAC/UHCP as the Political Affairs Representative for San Diego and Orange Counties. Prior to coming on board, Eric served as a
Senior Assistant to California State Controller John Chiang.
Eric has an extensive background in public and political affairs, having run several local and state campaigns. He also worked for U.S. Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard, a ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee who serves on the Labor, Health and Human… Read more
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) has sponsored legislation, Senate Bill 1111 (Negrete-McCloud), to reform health care boards under their jurisdiction, including the Board of Registered Nursing. Barbara Blake, UNAC/UHCP State Secretary, met with the bill’s sponsors to discuss three major areas of concern with the bill: mandatory posting of home addresses of health care professionals reported to licensing boards; mandatory reporting of any suspension or termination for the causes listed in the bill; and… Read more
Almost 1,000 members of AFL-CIO unions, including UNAC/UHCP, were present at today’s Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO 3rd Delegates Congress. SEIU was also in attendance. Key legislators were also in attendance, including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, United States Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and California Attorney General Jerry Brown.
UNAC/UHCP members from across our affiliates participated in the day’s events, which addressed jobs, education, transportation, the California budget crisis, term limits and immigration, focusing on… Read more
UNAC/UHCP took the lead in organizing AFSCME California’s “Meet the Candidates Town Hall Meeting” held on Saturday, January 23rd in Los Angeles. The town hall meeting was an all-day standing room only event designed to give union members an opportunity to voice their political and legislative concerns directly to the candidates running for the offices of Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Superintendent of Public Instruction and Insurance Commissioner.
Our members made sure that UNAC/UHCP was… Read more
The Sharp Professional Nurses Network (SPNN), in conjunction with UNAC/UHCP, has developed a brand new newsletter to inform SPNN members about affiliate activities and to highlight the achievements of individual members and the Union. We hope you enjoy our new streamlined design. To view the SPNN newsletter, get information regarding your professional job and find out what we are doing as a Union, please click here.
Happy New Year! As we begin 2010, we are as close as we have ever been to achieving a true, meaningful overhaul of the nation’s health care system.
This milestone, whatever its final form, will bring with it tremendous responsibility. As Registered Nurses and Health Care Professionals, we can expect an increasing reliance on our expertise and skills to ensure high quality patient care. And while this might ensure job security, it does not address… Read more
Ethnic minorities suffer from a disproportionate share of chronic diseases in the United States. Among African-American males, the health disparity is much more pronounced. In an effort to help address these disparities,… Read more
Would you like to volunteer in the community with other UNAC/UHCP members? We’d love to have you participate in upcoming events!
For more information, please contact Jeremy Lanni, Political Representative, at Jeremy@unac-ca.org.
Your union dues support UNAC/UHCP’s efforts to strengthen the voices of health care professionals. Dues, established by the UNAC/UHCP Constitution, are based on the wage rates at each affiliate. As wage rates increase, dues go up proportionally.
For 2010, dues for full-time and part-time RNs, NPs, and PAs at Kaiser Permanente will be $47.74 per pay period, effective the pay period ending January 2, 2010. For Per Diems in these job categories, dues will be… Read more
FVPA – Fountain Valley Professional Association contract negotiations began in mid-December, with the FVPA negotiating team exchanging a number of proposals with hospital management. Negotiations will continue throughout January, with the intent of completing before the current contract’s February 1, 2010 expiration.
UNAC/UHCP – Staff Representative Suzanne Delaney, RN, has been selected by AFSCME to attend the Harvard Trade Union Program at Harvard University early in 2010. The six-week intensive program, funded by the Jerry… Read more
Lisa Demidovich, Esq. has joined UNAC/UHCP as our in-house Staff Attorney, a new position intended to meet the increasing legal needs of the union. Lisa comes to us from a law firm in Pasadena, where she represented private and public sector unions before the NLRB, arbitrators, and federal and state courts. After Lisa earned a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University she clerked for the Honorable Kim Wardlaw, judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals… Read more
The second year of the two-year California State Legislative session is underway, so several of the UNAC/UHCP priority bills held in committee last year have another opportunity to pass the legislature.
SB 294, the Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice bill, was gutted and amended to address the Board of Registered Nursing enforcement mechanisms. Because of these changes, we must oppose SB 294 unless it is amended to address our concerns.
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SB 294 (Negrete-McLeod) Nurse… Read more
During the month of January, UNAC/UHCP and other AFSCME affiliates will be holding a series of “Meet the Candidates” town hall meetings throughout Southern California. This is an opportunity for you to meet those individuals who, if elected, will be voting on legislative issues that affect your ability to provide quality patient care and the working conditions under which you provide that care.
To attend one of these town hall meetings… Read more
At the November Los Angeles Central Labor Council (LA CLC) delegate meeting, UNAC/UHCP was highlighted as one of the leading health care unions in the county. UNAC/UHCP State Secretary Barbara Blake, RN, provided attendees with a presentation on the union’s history and explained why labor health care facilities are superior to non-unionized facilities in terms of patient outcomes and working conditions. UNAC/UHCP members and staff provided attendees with blood pressure screenings, eye exams, and… Read more
Welcome to our new look! We are making significant improvements in how we communicate with our members, so we hope you enjoy the new format and appreciate your feedback at Voice@unac-ca.org. As always, our goal is to make sure our members have access to the most current information impacting our professions. We are also redesigning the UNAC/UHCP website and anticipate launching it before the end of the year. In the meantime, please continue to visit… Read more
UNAC/UHCP Nurses educate the American public about health care reform legislation
PHOTO AND CAPTION: UNAC/UHCP nurses joined in AFSCME’s national campaign to make house calls to the American public and educate them about the health care reform legislation being considered in Congress.
In early October, several UNAC/UHCP Registered Nurses traveled to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Little Rock, Arkansas and Fargo, North Dakota to make door-to-door “house calls” in an effort to educate residents about health care… Read more
The UNAC/UHCP Perspective
The Senate Finance Committee approved its health bill in October with a 14-9 vote, taking our country one step closer to correcting the dysfunction in our current health care system.
Several components to the final health care reform legislation are being strongly debated. Of these, three elements UNAC/UHCP believes are fundamental to curing our dysfunctional system are the inclusion of a public health insurance plan option, an employer mandate and no taxation… Read more
This past legislative session was one of the toughest in recent years due to the large budget deficit facing California. Consequently, any bills with significant budgetary impact were held in either the Senate or Assembly appropriations committees. In light of this, three UNAC/UHCP priority bills survived the appropriations committee review process.
Unfortunately, on October 11th Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) chose to veto both AB 513 and AB 657. However, the Governor did sign AB 1295… Read more
UNAC/UHCP staff members participated this week in the 2009 AFSCME West Region Staff Exchange in San Francisco. The Staff Exchange brought together hundreds of AFSCME staff members from various councils and affiliates to exchange ideas and successes, and to set future goals and plans.
As part the three-day event, Exchange participants joined a vigil in support of AFSCME Local 3299 University of California members, who are struggling to achieve a fair, equitable contract. AFSCME… Read more
California State Assembly Member Felipe Fuentes receives a blood pressure test administered by UNAC/UHCP RN Myrna Madriaga at the 39th Assembly District’s 3rd Annual Family Resource Fair. UNAC/UHCP members provided necessary blood pressure and other screening tests to the approximately 1500 attendees of this year’s fair. Fuentes sponsors the event annually with California State Senator Alex Padilla (SD 20).
Over 200 Fountain Valley Professional Association (FVPA) members of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) participated in the successful kickoff to their new contract negotiations cycle at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center. Members had the opportunity to speak with FVPA affiliate officers and UNAC/UHCP state officers and department directors about their issues of interest and became more acquainted with the union.
Sacramento, CA - On Monday, August 17, UNAC/UHCP President Kathy J. Sackman, RN, spoke in Sacramento before the California Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee regarding recommendations proposed to create a seamless enforcement program for the Board of Registered Nursing. Please click on the link below to read her statement to the Committee.
Chairperson Negrete
Sacramento, CA – Barbara Blake, RN, state secretary of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) testified today at the Board of Registered Nursing to show support for the Board’s recent report to the California’s Department of Consumer Affairs and to highlight some preliminary recommendations moving forward as public hearings continue on BRN enforcement concerns.
“Case analysts must currently manage 400 to 600 cases each, which is both unmanageable and unacceptable,”… Read more
Large crowds reinforce the union’s commitment to achieving comprehensive Health Care Reform for all Californians
Uninsured, underinsured, unemployed and under-employed Californians throughout the Los Angeles area flocked to the Forum in Inglewood on Tuesday, August 11 to receive free dental, vision, medical and women’s health care services from health care professionals volunteering for RAM LA 2009, an event running from August 11 through 18 and organized by Remote Area Medical. Hundreds of health care professionals… Read more
On April 17, Parkview Community Hospital Registered Nurses voted to ratify their first union contract with UNAC/UHCP after 13 months of prolonged negotiations with hospital management. Parkview RNs ratified the two-year contract by an overwhelming majority.
“Parkview RNs have worked long and hard toward achieving our first contract and gaining a voice in the workplace,” stated Penny Brown, an RN in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “We are glad that we will finally have the… Read more
The Employee Free Choice Act would create a fairer process for union organizing by:
The Employee Free Choice Act would restore fairness to the union organizing process so employees don’t have to put their… Read more
UNAC/UHCP President Kathy J. Sackman, RN, Treasurer Delima MacDonald, RN, Secretary Barbara Blake, RN, and retired Executive Vice President Sonia Moseley were honored with 57 other women for their contributions to the labor movement in Orange County on May 27th.
Titled “An Evening to Honor Heroines Among Us: Past, Present & Future,” the Orange County Labor Federation, in partnership with the AFL-CIO, presented Season Five of the play “Speaking Up!” in Buena Park at UFCW… Read more
UNAC/UHCP member Miguel Garcia, RN, testified on Thursday, May 7 before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor at a hearing on “Ensuring Preparedness Against the Flu Virus at School and Work.”
“Because I work in the Emergency Room at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, my fellow RNs are on the frontline of fighting the current outbreak of the swine flu,” stated Garcia. “I am testifying on behalf of… Read more
Many safeguards are put into practice in our workplaces to ensure that patient privacy is maintained in accordance with HIPAA (Health Information Portability and Accountability Act). Here are some useful tips to help maintain patient privacy and protect your accountability with regard to Computer-based Patient Records (CPRs).
Buena Park, CA – UNAC/UHCP President Kathy J. Sackman, RN, Treasurer Delima MacDonald, RN, Secretary Barbara Blake, RN, and former state officer Sonia Moseley were honored with 57 other women for their contributions to the labor movement in Orange County on May 27th.
Titled “An Evening to Honor Heroines Among Us: Past, Present & Future,” the Orange County Labor Federation, in partnership with the AFL-CIO, presented Season Five of the play “Speaking Up!” in… Read more
UNAC/UHCP political director makes a case for AB 664 to create new presumptions in workers compensation for dangerous working conditions of direct health care providers
UNAC/UHCP Political Director Jimmy Gomez testified before the California State Assembly Insurance Committee on April 22, 2009, in support of AB 664 regarding new presumptions in workers compensation for direct healthcare providers. The bill passed in committee by a vote of 7 to 3.
Authored by Nancy Skinner, assembly member… Read more
Cyril Thomas knows a hero when he sees one and Ryan Gonzalez is definitely it.
Thomas, a physician assistant in the Emergency Department at Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center , met Ryan years ago when he was being treated for harlequin ichthyosis, a rare skin disorder that’s usually fatal at birth. Ryan is the oldest living child in the world with this disorder.
Of course, he’d much rather be known as a tough… Read more
A little rain—ok, a downpour—did not dampen UNAC/UHCP activists’ enthusiasm for the freedom to form unions. More than 20 activists joined with hundreds of fellow union members on February 5 for a 10-mile march through Los Angeles in support of the Employee Free Choice Act.
“I used to work at a hospital that didn’t have a union,” said Helen Bouman, RN, a UNAC/UHCP activist at Garden Grove Hospital. “The director was allowed to bully… Read more
The day before the L.A. march, UNAC/UHCP activist Asela Espiritu, an RN at Kaiser Orange County, travelled to Washington, D.C., to speak out at the AFL-CIO’s rally for the Employee Free Choice Act.
Espiritu joined UNAC/UHCP through a majority sign-up process, thanks to the landmark Labor Management Partnership between Kaiser and its unions. She told ralliers that all working people should have the same opportunity she’s had, free of coercion and intimidation and able… Read more
Saying that now more than ever, “we need a secretary of labor who understands the relationship between reinvigorating our economy and fixing our broken health care system,” UNAC/UHCP President Kathy J. Sackman, RN, called on California’s two senators to do whatever they can to move forward the nomination of Hilda Solis for this important post.
In letters to Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, Sackman praised Solis’ work as a fighter for the middle class… Read more
For the first time in our nation’s history, the United States Congress is on the verge of passing meaningful health care reform legislation. UNAC/UHCP supports this effort because our members work on the frontlines of health care, and have firsthand knowledge of the dysfunction in the current health care system. We see the effects caused by the delay of care; we see the effects on the parents who are forced to make a decision on… Read more
UNAC/UHCP members at Sharp HealthCare in San Diego have won a significant victory. An arbitrator on December 17 ruled that Sharp is required to allow a union representative to attend meetings and represent bargaining unit members in those meetings with the employer when members are seeking accommodation because of their medical or physical limitations, and when the union member requests union attendance.
The arbitrator said that Sharp violates the union contract when it refuses to… Read more
“My name is Alma Abreo. I have cerebral palsy. I live about four blocks from Parkview. I came to the rally today with my daughter Selina to support the nurses in the NICU.
About four years ago, I sat down on my bed and saw that my feet were very swollen. My family took me to Parkview. They gave me all sorts of tests and didn’t find anything wrong. Then they gave me an… Read more
Check out the news coverage the Parkview nurses’ campaign has earned!
Registered Nurses from Parkview Community Hospital and UNAC/UHCP staff members attended the City of Riverside Governmental Affairs Committee meeting on Wednesday, December 3 to familiarize the City Council with the multiple issues currently impacting Parkview and the ongoing negotiations of the RNs first union contract.
Due to the City Council’s vested interest in Parkview, they have committed to offer mediation services to Parkview administration and the RNs negotiating team in order to assist the… Read more
For the seventh year in a row, nurses have come out on top in a respected poll of the public’s rating of ethics and honesty.
The prestigious Gallup poll, in conjunction with USA Today, asked the public to rate the honesty and ethical standards of people in different professions. An astounding 84 percent said nurses’ standards were “high” or “very high.” That’s more than any other of the 20 other professions pollsters asked about.… Read more
Hope. Progress. Change.
Union members are celebrating Barack Obama’s victory in Tuesday’s presidential election.
“After eight years of no action on health care reform and attacks on union rights, we finally have our chance to move our nation forward,” says Kathy Sackman, RN, UNAC/UHCP president. “This is an incredible victory and an incredible opportunity.”
UNAC/UHCP activists were among the 40,000 AFSCME active and retired members nationwide who knocked on more doors and made more phone… Read more
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions (of which UNAC/UHCP is a part) and the Kaiser Permanente Partnership Group (the senior leadership team of health plan and physician executives) have approved the 2008 reopener of the 2005 National Agreement.
The union vote was overwhelming in favor of the agreement, passing it by a 96 percent margin. As part of the 2005 National Agreement, the reopener focused on across-the-board wage increases and retiree medical benefits for Coalition-represented… Read more
More than 500 nurses, physician assistants, and optometrists from across Southern California gathered together to celebrate UNAC/UHCP’s 33rd Biennial Convention, held at the beautiful Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California October 5 to 8. Representing 16,000 UNAC/UHCP members, delegates and alternates debated constitutional changes, elected state officers, learned new skills to make them more effective leaders—and had a lot of fun!
Delegates weighed in on the 14 proposed amendments to the UNAC/UHCP Constitution,… Read more
UNAC/UHCP members are making terrific strides in contract negotiations. The bargaining team from the St. Francis Registered Nurses Association won a strong new contract that includes across-the-board wage increases, new resources to help nurses further upgrade their skills and education, and the creation of a new category rewarding nurses who earn a master’s degree. SFRNA members ratified the three-year agreement on September 9.
Meanwhile, negotiators from the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions and Kaiser reached… Read more
UNAC/UHCP members are making terrific strides in contract negotiations. The bargaining team from the St. Francis Registered Nurses Association won a strong new contract that includes across-the-board wage increases, new resources to help nurses further upgrade their skills and education, and the creation of a new category rewarding nurses who earn a master’s degree. SFRNA members ratified the three-year agreement on September 9.
Meanwhile, negotiators from the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions and Kaiser reached… Read more
UNAC/UHCP STATE LEGISLATIVE SCORE CARD — KEY BILLS 2008
AB 371: Health Facilities/Safe Patient Handling (Huffman – D)
This bill would have required every general acute care hospital that applies for tax-exempt bonds to specify how the hospital plans
to implement or has implemented a program with a safe patient handling policy.
UNAC/UHCP Position: Yes – Support
ASSEMBLY: 44 – 29, 8/30/2008, Pass
SENATE: 22- 16, 8/29/2008, Pass
GOVERNOR: Vetoed
AB… Read more
Nurses in California fought hard for a law to ensure safe staffing ratios, and patients are better off for it. Why shouldn’t nurses and patients all over the country benefit from this vital tool to improve health care? Barbara Blake, RN, UNAC/UHCP state secretary, traveled to Washington, D.C. , recently to brief health care experts from the staffs of members of Congress about the importance of safe staffing.
“Nurses must be vigilant observers and skilled… Read more
Lifted up by inspiring words and songs of the civil rights movement, Parkview Community Hospital nurses gathered Monday morning for a prayer service as they continue bargaining for a fair contract and a voice on the job.
“The Catholic Church supports the rights of workers to organize,” Father Benjamin Alforque of St. Catherine of Alexandria told the nurses gathered at Hunt Park , a block from the hospital in Riverside . “It is part… Read more
Earning attention from TV, radio and newspaper reporters, the nurses at Parkview who want to form a union are making their voices heard.
As supporters cheered, NICU nurse Deirdre Kirkwood told her story at a January 18 news conference: “I want a union at Parkview. I want a union because I love Parkview, and I want to make it better,” said Kirkwood, who was unfairly fired by Parkview administrators.
The Riverside Press-Enterprise covered… Read more
Frustrated by inconsistent policies, haphazard staffing levels and no real voice in improving patient care, Deirdre Kirkwood and her fellow nurses at Parkview Community Hospital in Riverside decided to come together and form a union. Deirdre – a highly competent and well respected NICU nurse – is a key workplace leader encouraging her co-workers to support the union campaign.
When hospital administrators saw employees coming together, they began to harass and intimidate the nurses.… Read more
As part of their hard-won contract this summer, members of the Sharp Professional Nurses Network negotiated a new quality initiative giving health care workers a bigger voice in patient care. The quality liaison program will involve nurses in identifying and resolving concerns about the quality of patient care. The quality liaisons will work with fellow union members and activists, as well as staff representatives, to tackle issues such as staffing ratios and meals and breaks.… Read more
Governor Jerry Brown announced late Tuesday he signed Senate Bill 98, the legislation reconstituting the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The entire board will be reappointed under the new bill.
We Demand Quality Health Care at Beverly Hospital
