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FVPA had two days of eventful bargaining this week, which saw management submit an insulting counter to the Union’s compensation proposal on day one. On day two, dozens of RNs and professionals showed up to protest. But at noon management proposed to increase our contribution to our medical plans. Click through to learn more.
Our Negotiating Team has reviewed our bargaining surveys, to identify key issues for negotiations. We’ve also made a great start in negotiations, reaching tentative agreement on nine contract articles. We negotiate again Tuesday, May 21. Click through for more details.
Contract negotiations on Tuesday took on an exciting and energetic tone when nearly a dozen LRNA members joined our bargaining team to observe the proposals about staffing, floating, cancellation, scheduling and management’s response. We reached agreement on new lay off language protecting seniority and years of service. Join our bargaining team and coworkers on June 4 and 5 to help make sure we achieve a strong contract. Your presence makes a difference. It did on Tuesday!
We are getting closer to completing our contract negotiations! However, management provided a wage proposal that demonstrates a lack of respect for the true value of Chino nurses. We will respond to management’s wage proposal on Friday, May 24, 2013. Your voice is needed now more than ever! Come to Negotiations and Let’s Finish this TOGETHER!
We continue to alert our community to the dangers presented by Inland Valley’s refusal to dedicate a full-time MICN to the radio room in the ER. The danger is not just to Inland Valley patients but region-wide, since Inland is a Base Station, directing ambulance traffic and assisting paramedics throughout Southwestern Riverside County.
Last night, we took our case to the Murrieta City Council. MICN Nina Ballard told the council about tending two trauma patients … Read more
At the annual Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions’ delegate conference, UNAC/UHCP delegates took action against Kaiser management who were in attendance for violating our seniority provisions. Kaiser’s CEO responded “I will see to it that we get to the bottom of this and get the issue resolved.” Sounds great. Will it happen? If recent history is any indicator, we will need to continue to let Kaiser know that we expect them to honor our contract! Send a letter to Ben Chu and Judy White today to remind them!
Over a dozen leaders from the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and other unions demonstrated solidarity with UNAC/UHCP by signing a letter to Ben Chu, Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region President, which says in part:
“We urge you to follow the Collective Bargaining Agreement. We ask that you rescind the notices given to health care professionals in Southern California and follow seniority.”
In 1968 Martin Luther King, Jr. helped sanitation workers organize AFSCME Local 1733 in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was assassinated. This April UNAC/UHCP members Kita Stovall, RN; Steve Rodriguez, RN; and President Ken Deitz, RN, joined AFSCME members from all over the country in Memphis to support that same local, facing privatization.
Kita reflected on the forces attacking unions in the United States today. “We have a voice because other people fought for us to … Read more
Thanks to the work of our members who spoke up, and the teamwork of our UNAC/UHCP officers and Staff Representative, our Union has reduced and/or eliminated verbal and written warnings for perhaps hundreds of RNs.
Our Union won positive results on two Association grievances, which is a grievance affecting more than two members:
1. Well over a hundred UNAC/UHCP-represented RNs were given Corrective Action from management for failure to abide by the Attendance Policy. We … Read more
Tell Kaiser they need to honor our contract and honor our seniority. Click here to send an email to Ben Chu and Judy White. Join us to make change through solidarity and the strong unified support and participation of our members. While we have established a process with Kaiser to begin placement of UNAC/UHCP members who are affected by reduction in force, we are at the same time, continuing to fight against how Kaiser implemented this reduction, and who should have been affected based on seniority.
Good news for the Kaiser Therapists! We have set 14 meeting dates to negotiate with management, and one day where just your negotiating team will get together (May 14).
We will negotiate on May 2, 15, 21 and 22; June 4, 5, 10, 12, 20, 25 and 27; and July 8, 15 and 16.
All negotiating sessions will be held at the UNAC/UHCP office, located at 955 Overland Court, San Dimas, CA 91773.
The meetings … Read more
FVPA takes a big step for union, gives management wage grid proposal. Weeks of work and extensive research went in to developing a proposal that ensures Fountain Valley will be competitive in the industry.
New for 2013, UNAC/UHCP is offering a Nurses’ Week 2013 Sweepstakes! This Nurses’ Week, enter to win the following prizes:
Four first prizes – Tickets to UNAC/UHCP’s Scholarship Banquet at the Sheraton Fairplex on May 10th during Nurses’ Week! You’ll enjoy a delicious dinner with colleagues and celebrate with the scholarship recipients and honored guests.
Five second prizes – Your choice of a scrub in any color available or UNAC/UHCP t-shirt!
Six third prizes – … Read more
After a grueling organizing campaign, on February 1 a clear majority of registered nurses at Corona Regional Medical Center voted to join UNAC/UHCP. We are very pleased to welcome them to the family.
Said Diane Arreola, RN at Corona, for years, “Our concerns about patient safety issues have been ignored. This is why, as sworn patient advocates, a strong majority of us decided to seek representation and organize our union with UNAC/UHCP. We realized that … Read more
On February 14, a neutral third party arbitrator confirmed that a majority of Southern California Kaiser Physical, Occupational, and Recreational Therapists and Kaiser Staff Educators had signed cards to be represented by UNAC/UHCP. Thanks to the hard work of the organizing committee, roughly 700 Kaiser therapists and 100 staff educators now have the opportunity for a real voice in their professions.
Kaiser therapists and staff educators had many reasons to join our union, including improved … Read more
Despite a rocky start, much has been accomplished in Fountain Valley bargaining. Agreement has been reached on Union representation; seniority; harassment; grievance and arbitration; performance improvement and discipline; floating; and holidays. In each of these articles improvements were made in expanding and protecting members’ rights.
However, bargaining continues to be a slow process. With great member turnout, when there are lulls in the negotiation process, the bargaining team and Fountain Valley Professional Association members are … Read more
UNAC/UHCP members and supporters took to the sidewalks outside the Kaiser Lancaster Medical Offices to protest the planned reduction in hours of the Urgent Care. Starting April 1, Kaiser plans to end Urgent Care in Lancaster beginning at 11 pm, leaving Kaiser members in the Antelope Valley to either go to the excessively overcrowded local Emergency Rooms, or drive over 50 miles to receive the quality care they currently have in Lancaster.
Our members handed … Read more
In January, UNAC/UHCP won an arbitration involving the deletion of the Senior RN position at the Kaiser San Dimas Medical Office Building. An Ambulatory Care Supervisor outside the bargaining unit had been filling the role. The arbitrator found that Kaiser “violated the Agreement by moving the Sr. RN duties to the Ambulatory Care Supervisor position” and as a remedy ordered the Employer to return to the bargaining unit the duties outlined in the negotiated Senior … Read more
First, a bit of good news—UNAC/UHCP staff member Eric Robles has accepted the position of Director, Political and Legislative Affairs. Eric’s deep legislative experience and political background have already been put to good use on behalf of UNAC/UHCP members. See below.
In early February, President Ken Deitz traveled to Washington D.C., to participate in AFSCME’s Legislative Conference and represent UNAC/UHCP’s interests before the Congress. While UNAC/UHCP does not actively lobby Members of Congress because most … Read more
Chino RNs and Management Meet with Federal Mediator —
While management has proposed to hire new RNs and pay them more than currently employed RNs, Chino RNs continue to bargain after a federal mediator was called in to assist negotiations. Check unacuhcp.org for updates.
Lakewood Bargaining to Begin in March —
The Lakewood Registered Nurses Association has started preparing for negotiations. Bargaining dates will be announced soon, and the preparatory work for negotiations, such as … Read more
UNAC/UHCP continues to grow. Already this year, 700 Physical, Occupational and Recreational Therapists and 100 Staff Educators at Kaiser signed cards to join UNAC/UHCP. More than 300 RNs at Corona Regional Medical Center voted to join. Still, workers often have to face real obstacles to forming a union. Universal Health Services (UHS) owns Corona and two other hospitals where RNs are trying to join UNAC/UHCP, Rancho Springs and Inland Valley. UHS has a spent a … Read more
The recipients of the first annual UNAC/UHCP Member, Family, and Community scholarships have been selected by the Scholarship Committee. Click through to read more about this inspiring group of people who are continuing their education with a little help from UNAC/UHCP.
Corona RNs are already proving that when Nurses stand up for each other and speak out, they can win changes to protect patient safety—even at a UHS hospital!
Corona has an unlicensed patient care overflow area in its ER called the RAP Room: “Results Are Pending.” In early February, Corona RN Kathy Conti saved a patient’s life by calling a code in the RAP Room, exposing safety problems such as understaffing and a lack of … Read more
New affiliate officers from Kaiser Fontana, SPNN, Pettis Memorial, Kaiser San Diego, Kaiser Orange County, Beverly Hospital, SCNSC, KPASCO, Garden Grove, Kaiser South Bay, Kaiser Baldwin Park, and Kaiser Ontario joined Ken Deitz, UNAC/UHCP President, and others for a day of training for their new roles. Some were familiar faces transitioning to new roles, others were new officers in new affiliates. But everyone was ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.
Said … Read more
New for 2013, UNAC/UHCP is conducting a member survey to better understand you. If you’d like to give your opinion on everything from the best union meeting times to how you get your news, click here to participate in our first-ever member survey. Don’t miss out on making your voice heard-take the survey today!
UNAC/UHCP is holding a special one-day convention on Saturday, May 18 at the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona. The convention delegates will consider adopting proposed amendments and resolutions, and elect State officers. The deadline for submitting a nomination to run as a delegate has passed, and nominations are now closed.
UNAC/UHCP will be mailing delegate ballots to all members during the week of February 25. Check your mailbox for your ballot. Completed ballots must … Read more
Finally! Despite management’s refusal to meet with the Federal Mediator last week, we made some progress on our economic proposal. After the previous week’s bargaining session with the Federal government Mediator, and the tremendous support of nurses from all the various departments who showed up at bargaining, both parties offered proposals on Friday that begin to address the key concerns that have been expressed during months of bargaining.
For the many SCNSC members interested in becoming a Steward, the time is now. Steward Training will be offered at the UNAC/UHCP State Office on Wednesday, April 3. The SCNSC nurses need Stewards to protect and enforce our contract, and serve as a resource for our co-workers. Sign up now to become a Steward for your department.
At the last round of scheduled negotiations on February 13 and 14, no agreements were reached. We presented our counter proposals on Article 5, Job Posting and Article 24, Work Stoppage. Despite the limited time actually spent bargaining at the table, we made good use of the two days by continuing work on the economic proposals. We reviewed existing wage practices and discussed how to develop a wage proposal that recognizes RN and professional license experience. In our next negotiations, we will be formulating our wage proposals. We ask that every unit/department send a delegation of nurses and professionals to work with us in developing these proposals.
On February 14th approximately 100 Kaiser Permanente Staff Educator RNs joined UNAC/UHCP through the Partnership organizing card check process. Kaiser has agreed to “accrete” the Staff Educator RNs into the existing Specialty Care Nurses of Southern California (SCNSC) bargaining unit, and its 2012-2015 contract.
Several issues particular to the Staff Educator role, however, will be negotiated as a supplement to the SCNSC agreement. To accomplish this work, the Staff Educators will elect a negotiating team.… Read more
The already underserved Antelope Valley community will soon suffer a cut in urgent medical services, when Kaiser’s decision to close its Urgent Care in Lancaster at 11 PM becomes effective on April 1. Nurses and health care workers gathered on February 14 in front of the hospital with a special Valentine’s Day message for Kaiser: “Have a Heart, Keep Our Urgent Care 24/7.” Kaiser patients deserve accessible, quality healthcare in their own communities. Sign a petition to Kaiser!
Today, negotiations broke down because management is refusing to give us a guaranteed wage increase. We are the lowest paid RNs in the entire Prime Healthcare system in Southern California. Now, to add insult to injury, management has proposed to hire NEW RNs and pay them much more than we are paid.
Send an email to Ben Chu, and Judy White: Tell them that Kaiser needs to honor our contract and honor our seniority. Kaiser’s top management needs to understand that UNAC/UHCP members consider an injury to one, an injury to all, and that we will fight to protect our rights and benefits. Click here to send an email to Ben Chu and Judy White.
We spent three days in bargaining at Fountain Valley this week, and despite a rocky and rough start, we accomplished a great deal.
We have agreements so far on Union representation; seniority; harassment; grievance and arbitration; performance improvement and discipline; floating; and holidays. In each of these articles we have made improvements in expanding and protecting our members’ rights.
As the situation changes on the ground with the Kaiser Reductions In Force, keep up-to-date with our Kaiser rapid response text alerts. And check back to our website often for more detailed information. … Read more
After months of discussion between the RN Bargaining Team and management, on January 11 the parties reached agreement on the Patient Care Committee. This committee will give frontline nurses the ability to work directly with management to resolve concerns that could impact our ability to provide quality patient care.
DUES INCREASES —
Union dues increase effective first pay period in January 2013.
Fountain Valley: Dues will be $42.87 per pay period. Per diem- Dues will be $2.144 per hour up to a maximum of 20 hours and $42.87 per pay period.
Garden Grove: Dues will be $40.58 per pay period. Per diem-Dues will be $2.029 per hour up to a maximum of 20 hours or $40.58 per pay period.
Kaiser Affiliates: Dues will be … Read more
Greg Lutz is our new Staff Representative at Kaiser San Diego, joining Sandy Oleson. Greg’s path to UNAC/UHCP was long, winding, and utterly unique. Greg had a fairly idyllic childhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he lived across the street from a ski resort. He filled his time with fishing and skiing. He was also a member of the ski patrol, where he had to help injured skiers safely off the mountain.
Greg studied business … Read more
Pam Pressney joins us as our second Staff Representative at Kaiser Orange County. After a childhood spent on the beaches of Long Beach with a retired Navy Commander father and RN mother, Pam Pressney always planned to become a nurse. Fate had different plans, and after majoring in English at UCLA, she went on to become an Apprentice Plant Equipment Operator at Southern California Edison. While using that English degree operating and maintaining oil and … Read more
Peter Sidhu joins Donna Smith representing the Kaiser Specialty Care Nurses of Southern California and the Midwives and Wound Ostomy Nurses. When he was just a wee lad of 10, Peter moved to the Los Angeles area from England. His mother is a nurse, but never pushed him into nursing. But she strongly hinted.
Before settling on nursing, Peter had a wide variety of unusual jobs, none more bizarre than Game Room Manager at Chuck … Read more
Despite uniquely Southern Californian inclement weather, the Kaiser “Days of Protest” in December involved over a thousand Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Physician Assistants (PAs), Optometrists (ODs) and other supporters, who picketed Kaiser facilities to protest cuts to patient care that will result from Kaiser eliminating 175 UNAC/UHCP health care positions. Picketing took place in the heat at Kaiser South Bay, in the pouring rain at Kaiser Riverside, in the freezing cold at Kaiser … Read more
Last month, we were all stunned by the events at Sandy Hook Elementary School and Clackamas Town Center Mall in Oregon. That something like this could happen at what was supposed to be a safe place shocked the nation. In the wake of these tragedies, there were calls to reform both our gun laws and the way we deal with mental health issues. As a nurse I think we need to do both.
Mental health … Read more
The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) is shocked and saddened by the senseless shooting in an elementary school this morning that left 26 people dead, including 20 young children.
Our heart goes out to the families of those lost today, and those who survived who will suffer from the memory of today. They will be in our thoughts.
Also in our thoughts is nurse Maureen Kerins, a Newton, Connecticut nurse … Read more
On December 11, 700 members and other union supporters turned out on the picket line at Kaiser South Bay to protest the reductions in force in violation of our contract. UNAC/UHCP members from all over Southern California came in support including Kaiser Baldwin Park, Kaiser San Diego, Kaiser Downey, Kaiser Fontana, Kaiser Orange County, Kaiser Ontario-Vineyard, Kaiser Panorama City and Kaiser Woodland Hills.
This week many of the more than 12,000 UNAC/UHCP members at Kaiser are set to participate in Days of Protest. “Kaiser’s decision to eliminate 175 positions without regard to seniority and to violate the employment and income security agreement crosses the line,” said UNAC/UHCP President Ken Deitz.
Nearly 300 RNs, NPs, PAs, case managers, and optometrists met two weeks ago to plan Days of Protest.
On Tuesday December 11, Kaiser South Bay kicks off the … Read more
Picket lines protesting Kaiser’s job cuts have now spread to three locations — South Bay, Riverside, and Ontario. UHW has given notice at Kaiser South Bay that they will be joining the picket line on December 11. And in Orange County, UHW members are standing with us. UHW members will be withdrawing from all UBTs and LMP committees in support of UNAC/UHCP workers. Join us out on the picket lines: unacuhcp.org/join-the-picket/
On November 26, UNAC/UHCP leadership met to plan the response to Kaiser’s cuts in services and positions. We have since withdrawn from partnership activities. Informational picketing will now begin starting at Kaiser South Bay. UNAC/UHCP members at South Bay were hit the hardest with 70 positions eliminated— on November 30 we notified Kaiser that on December 11th UNAC/UHCP members will hold an informational picket to protest Kaiser’s actions and impact on patient care.
On November 27, UNAC/UHCP President Ken Deitz, RN informed Kaiser Southern California President Ben Chu that UNAC/UHCP will be withdrawing from Labor Management Partnership activities until our dispute regarding the gross violation of our contract is resolved. Read the letter to Ben Chu here.
Our relationship with Kaiser is based on our Collective Bargaining Agreement. On November 16, Kaiser violated the most sacred provision in our contract, seniority, when they eliminated 175 UNAC/UHCP positions. … Read more
Chino Bargaining Update: November 29, 2012
Today at bargaining we reached agreement on Paid Time Off Benefits, Preceptor and Health Benefits.
Our RN Negotiating Team has been fighting hard since August to secure our ability to continue to cash out PTO as many times as needed through the year. We’ve also been fighting to keep our right to be paid all accrued PTO if we leave Chino Valley Medical Center. Today, our hard fighting … Read more
On November 26, hundreds of UNAC/UHCP members and activists met to plan our response to Kaiser’s violations of our contract by eliminating positions without regard to seniority or Employment Income Security (EISA). A full report will be coming soon. For now, please click here for a leaflet with more information to print and share with your coworkers.
Kaiser has issued notices that UNAC/UHCP positions are being eliminated. Please contact your staff representative immediately if you receive a notice or are asked to meet with HR and/or your manager. Our Union has been persistent in stating the obvious to top KP leadership: under our local contract, seniority is the governing factor in position elimination. At this time, Kaiser has blatantly chosen to ignore our agreement.
During 2012 Physician Assistants’ Week, held October 6-12, 2012 UNAC/UHCP went to some of those Kaiser Permanente facilities where we have PA members. Special rounding at Kaiser West LA, Kaiser Sunset, Kaiser Orange County, and Kaiser South Bay, as well as special PA Week events at Kaiser Fontana and Kaiser Riverside allowed us to meet many of our PAs as we passed out gifts. The pictures below show the highlights of our adventures. We only … Read more
Four stories in this issue of Union in Brief: 1) Chino negotiations stalled, 2) Fountain Valley to start bargaining, 3) UNAC/UHCP organizing Kaiser Physical, Occupational, and Recreational Therapists, and 4) application deadline approaching for UNAC/UHCP scholarships.
On October 2, over nearly 100 retired and soon-to-be retired UNAC/UHCP members filled the classroom in our state office to learn more about the next chapter in their union activism. Some came to hear about Medicare and Social Security, namely what they could do to preserve it for future generations. Others came to find out how they could get more involved with the union, or to get active in politics. Luckily everyone found something to … Read more
The biggest threat to everything we have achieved over the last forty years as a union—patient safety measures, staffing ratios, fair wages, first-rate health care benefits, excellent pensions, overtime pay, and breaks—has failed. Proposition 32, which would have silenced our voice in legislation and politics, has been defeated.… Read more
The November election showed us the worst and best of democracy. We saw deception at the local, state and national levels. Despite last minute, deceptive attacks we helped carry our own Political Director Jimmy Gomez to a seat in the California State Assembly. With Prop 32, we saw a small group of rich donors, backed by a flood of out-of-state dollars, try to trick voters into drowning out the voices of workers from our political dialogue. But union members joined with voters who understand and value our contribution to defeat that attack.
Voters affirmed Obamacare by reelecting the President; preserved our strong voice in Sacramento by defeating Prop 32; and elected UNAC/UHCP’s Jimmy Gomez to the state assembly
UNAC/UHCP’s Jimmy Gomez Elected to Represent California’s 51st Assembly District
While our bill to strengthen enforcement of nurse-to-patient staffing ratios was vetoed by the Governor Brown, there was a silver lining.
UNAC/UHCP President Ken Deitz, RN, opened the 40th Anniversary Convention by talking about how far we’ve come and how much we’ve grown—adding almost 2,000 members in just the last year—before laying out the hard work yet to be done, with dozens of hospitals in Southern California still unorganized, new contracts to be won, and the need to strengthen safe staffing enforcement.
On October 2, nearly 100 retired and soon-to-be retired UNAC/UHCP members filled the classroom in our state office to learn more about the next chapter in their union activism. Some came to hear about Medicare and Social Security, namely what they could do to preserve it for future generations. Others came to find out how they could get more involved with the union, or to get active in politics. A few were looking to be social. Luckily everyone found something to get excited about at the UNAC/UHCP Retiree Founding Convention.
Newest Affiliate: BHRNA
Let’s welcome the newest official UNAC/UHCP affiliate: BHRNA, or the Beverly Hospital Registered Nurses Association. They adopted their new affiliate name when they approved their constitution in July.
BHRNA has been on the fast track since winning their first contract in May. In August they elected their inaugural affiliate officers: Isaac Saroia, President; Mirka Bojarczak, Vice President, Marites “Mayet” Riva, Secretary; and Susan Justin, Treasurer.
UNAC/UHCP staff also held Contract Enforcement classes … Read more
At a black tie event on July 28 held at the Hilton in Universal City, a UNAC/UCHP member and an Organizer were honored as two of the 100 Outstanding Filipino-Americans in the USA by the Philippine Press Photographers. Ralph Umayam, RN, was presented the award in Health Care. Ralph is a Case Manager at Kaiser and member of the Specialty Care Nurses of Southern California (SCNSC). Thor Causing, UNAC/UHCP Organizer, won for his leadership in … Read more
Governor Brown Appoints Barbara Blake to California Apprenticeship Council
California Governor Jerry Brown has appointed UNAC/UHCP’s Secretary/Treasurer Barbara Blake, RN to the California Apprenticeship Council (CAC). The Council works with the state’s Department of Industrial Relations to oversee California’s state apprenticeship programs, traditionally used most often in the construction trades.
“California has a long standing tradition of using apprenticeship to move people into middle class jobs, where they can enjoy the full potential of the … Read more
Power + Unity = Victory
The theme of this year’s UNAC/UHCP Convention, honoring our 40th Anniversary, will be “Power + Unity = Victory.” It will be held at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel from October 21 through 24. Delegates will elect the UNAC/UHCP Secretary/Treasurer and three Board of Directors. Over three days delegates will also look ahead to our union’s future, attend various trainings and continuing education courses, and get updates on the state … Read more
It’s been a long road to a first contract for the members of the two newest UNAC/UHCP Kaiser affiliates, the Specialty Care Nurses of Southern California (SCNSC), made up of Case Managers and Patient Educators; and the Kaiser Permanente Midwives and Wound Ostomy Nurses (KPMWON).
But when the votes were counted on August 3, SCNSC voted by 96% to approve their contract, and 83% of KPMWON members who attended a ratification meeting voted to approve … Read more
The Fountain Valley Professionals Association is gearing up to start bargaining in November for a new contract. They recently held their first General Membership Meeting of the contract campaign, and turnout was strong. Forty people signed up to join the Contract Action Team, and members came away understanding that they must build strength now to win at the table. They know that a strong member presence will be needed at negotiations.
The contract campaign comes … Read more
The Lakewood RN Association commemorated their tenth anniversary on July 26 by hosting a celebration honoring the original organizing committee members. The affiliate founders headlined the celebration, recounting for all the struggle to organize their union—including being booted out of the hospital and having sprinklers turned on them. “It was like a family reunion,” said Sally Manalad, RN, LRNA’s first Vice President (and this month’s Everyday Leader).
LRNA was founded as many of our affiliates … Read more
UNAC/UHCP turned 40 this year. It’s a good time to reflect with pride on what we’ve built, and be grateful for what others achieved who came before us. Just to win the right to form a union took decades of struggle, even lives lost. And less than a hundred years ago nurses worked 12 hours shifts seven days a week. Paid vacation and safe staffing were beyond imagining.
Closer to home, Kathy Sackman and others … Read more
Governor Brown signed AB 761 on September 28, which allows optometrists to perform clinical lab tests needed for their practice. Congrats to our ODs! AB 761 will expand the category of persons who may perform clinical laboratory tests or examinations that are classified to include certain optometrists. This commonsense bill will make our jobs easier. Thank you Governor Brown!
We are pleased to announce the 2013 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 and majoring in social sciences. The winners will each receive $5,000.00 per … Read more
Earlier this month, we were informed by Garden Grove management that they planned to begin including LVNs in ICU staffing. This raised serious concerns regarding patient safety. In response, last week a delegation of ICU RNs along with our Union Representatives, met with management to present our deep concerns. We are pleased to inform you that after we raised these concerns, management decided to suspend their decision. This is an important victory for our patients and our licenses.
After an outstanding turn out, the votes have been tabulated and the results are in. The Fountain Valley Professional Association’s Bargaining Team has been selected from a field of strong leaders. Thanks to everyone for coming out! Your bargaining team is already meeting to prepare for negotiations.
In a major development in our fight against Prop 32, a group with close ties to the Koch Brothers and Karl Rove placed a $4 Million Dollar ad buy in support of Prop 32. If it wasn’t clear already, this removes any doubt; Billionaire CEOs and corporate special interests are funding Prop 32. Prop 32 is a sham; Billionaire CEOs and operatives like Rove don’t spend $4 Million Dollars on a proposition that would weaken their political dominance. They want to silence your voice so they can write the rules for themselves. Pledge to Vote No on Prop 32
After a protracted campaign that spanned over 18 months, the Beverly Hospital Registered Nurses Association was officially seated at the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals Executive Council on Saturday, September 15. A motion to approve affiliate number 47 was unanimously approved and a round of applause filled the room as the deed was done.
The four affiliate officers–President: Isaac Saroia, PACU, Vice President: Mirka Bojarczak, ICU, Secretary: Marites “Mayet” Riva, Tele, … Read more
Management stated in bargaining yesterday that RNs at Chino should not be paid what other RNs get because our hospital is in Chino. We said that milk and gas prices are the same in Chino, and raising standards for nurses would be good for the hospital.
Dear AFSCME Sisters and Brothers,
AFSCME has a longstanding partnership with the National Labor College (NLC) to help members and staff pursue their higher education goals. AFSCME members and staff enrolled in the NLC Bachelor’s degree programs may be eligible for scholarships worth $2,000-$10,000 per year. We encourage you to help us promote this unique opportunity by having interested members and staff apply for AFSCME scholarships to attend the NLC. You can read more in … Read more
“Proposition 32 is nothing but an attack by conservatives on unions and their members. What’s new about this effort is that it’s dressed up as a broad reform aimed at “special interests,” and it’s even more union-unfriendly than its predecessors.” -LA Times
Member Ralph Umayam, RN, and Organizer Thor Causing from UNAC/UHCP were named as two of the 100 Outstaanding Filipino-Americans in the USA, by the Philippine Press Photographers, at a black tie event on July 28 at the Universal City Hilton. “This honor inspires me to continue to do the best I can for my patients,” said Mr. Umayam.
AFSCME has a longstanding partnership with the National Labor College (NLC) to help members and staff pursue their higher education goals. AFSCME members and staff enrolled in the NLC Bachelor’s degree programs may be eligible for scholarships worth $2,000 – $10,000 per year. We encourage you to help us promote this unique opportunity by having interested members and staff apply for AFSCME scholarships to attend the NLC. A scholarship brochure is downloadable here for your review. Interested members and staff can visit NLC’s website at www.nlc.edu for details about the NLC’s degree programs.
We are pleased to announce the AFSCME Family Scholarship Program for the year 2013 for children of full dues-paying AFSCME members. Scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded to ten (10) applicants selected from the applications who meet the eligibility requirements.
The scholarships will be renewed for $2,000 each year for a maximum of four years, provided the student remains enrolled in a full-time degree program at an accredited institution. The scholarship may be used for … Read more
Renewing your BRN license this year? Be smart and do it early or do it online. Word is there have been delays in processing license renewals this year. Don’t get caught in the system. Online, early, or both!… Read more
After a long, hard-fought battle, UNAC/UHCP reached a settlement agreement with Kaiser on two grievances concerning patient safety and workload for primary care advice RNs.
To improve message management, the agreement establishes joint labor-management committees charged with the mission of planning for coverage of scheduled time off for primary care RNs who triage patient phone and e-mail messages through Kaiser’s Health-Connect system. The committees, consisting of UNAC/UHCP representatives, department RNs, and Kaiser management, first will … Read more
Chino RNs Make Steady Progress
Negotiations for a first contract at Chino Valley Medical Center are moving along at a good pace. The negotiating team had to educate management that RNs have the right to pass out union literature and wear UNAC/UHCP pins in the hospital. Talks at the table have been productive. Watch your email for information.
Kaiser National Agreement Ratified
UNAC/UHCP members at Kaiser facilities ratified a new three-year Kaiser contract in July. … 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.… Read more
On June 28, the Supreme Court upheld the landmark health care reform legislation known as the Affordable Care Act, which will give 34 million uninsured Americans health care, as well as provide significantly strengthened consumer rights and protections for all insured.
“This is not just an abstract legal decision. Real lives and the heartbreak of real families will be saved because of it. We’ve got more people in California dying each year because they don’t … Read more
Election
UNAC/UHCP members have been making the connection between the candidates we elect to office and the laws and regulations passed to protect patient safety and affordable health care. During the primary election, members hosted phone banking parties, walked precincts to knock on doors, and talked to their co-workers about the election.
“In order to safely take care of patients, we have to elect the right people to office,” said Machelle Bailey, an RN in … Read more
Another big win for UNAC/UHCP as our President, Ken Deitz, RN, was elected to serve as an AFSCME International Vice President at the AFSCME convention in June, continuing to raise the profile of our Union. Ken is maintaining the tradition started by UNAC/UHCP President Emeritus Kathy J. Sackman, RN, who served as an AFSCME IVP for over two decades.
“I am proud to see our president hold a position that will help to influence health … Read more
More than 30 RNs from the Anaheim and Irvine Emergency Department came together at a grievance meeting to present evidence on why the staggered existing shifts are best for patient care. This meeting took place after Kaiser management, without RN input, decided to place all Anaheim Emergency Department RNs on uniform shifts from 8 to 8.
“It is our aim as nurses to protect our current schedule which has proven to be the Best Practice … Read more
Meet UNAC/UHCP’s new Strategic Research Analyst, Paul Hayes. It’s a sign of our growth that he’s joined us. He will be costing contracts, doing budget analysis at hospitals and researching organizing targets, all key elements of winning strong contracts and bringing new members into the Union.
For Paul it all goes back to an early job during college, in a non-union grocery store where he saw co-workers on food stamps and working multiple part-time jobs. … Read more
The 2012 UNAC/UHCP Convention is coming up fast: October 21-24 in San Diego. This year, delegates will elect the State Secretary/Treasurer and three Directors to UNAC/UHCP’s Board. In addition, delegates will help plan our future, attend training and continuing education courses, and receive updates on the state of the union to bring back to their affiliates.
Nominations for Secretary/Treasurer are now open, and will remain open until the close of the business session on Monday, … Read more
KPASCO’s Madhu Chawla, OD, who works at Kaiser Woodland Hills, always planned to work in vision care. It was her interest in public health and policy, however, which led her to the California State Board of Optometry.
“The Board of Optometry is the best way to make an impact on public health and public policy,” Chawla said recently, after her appointment was announced. Chawla graduated from the New England College of Optometry 15 years ago, … Read more
RN Cindy Cipres Klein, Riverside affiliate Clinic President, and a member of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) Board of Directors, was appointed to the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) by Governor Jerry Brown in May.
“I’m honored to be able to represent my profession,” Cipres Klein stated. “I look forward to working with Governor Brown, the other members of the Board of Registered Nursing, and the dedicated staff of … Read more
Unions just like ours helped build the American Dream—that if we work hard, we should be able to afford a decent home, a good college education for our kids, and a peaceful retirement. But all over the country, in state after state, corporations and rich donors are trying to silence workers so they can annihilate unions and end pensions. Here in California, the attack comes in the form of the Special Exemptions Act, or Proposition … Read more
It’s official! After 1,500 UNAC/UHCP members came to bargaining and made our voices heard, all our hard work has paid off! Follow the link to read the official notice from the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions that the National Agreement has been ratified and will go into effect on October 1, 2012. We did it!
At 10 PM on July 18, it became official. UNAC/UHCP members overwhelmingly ratified our Collective Bargaining Agreement with Kaiser, as part of the National Agreement covering 95,000 Kaiser employees across the country.
The UNAC/UHCP Convention is October 21-24 at the San Diego Bayside Hilton. Check with your affiliate officers for information about how you can attend as a delegate. This year at the Convention, delegates will elect the State Secretary-Treasurer and three Directors to UNAC/UHCP’s Board. In addition, delegates will help plan our future, attend training and continuing education courses, and receive updates on the state of the union to bring back to their affiliates.
Parkview RNs have the right as union members to stand up for ourselves without retaliation from management. We just won a big victory to protect that right.
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions responded to our recent action with the following message:
Thank you for alerting the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions to the matter of RN shifts at the Anaheim Emergency Department. As a Coalition made up of 30 local unions representing KP staff, including UNAC/UHCP, we strongly agree that Partnership principles include an obligation for all parties to pursue interest-based problem solving in good faith. Unilaterally imposed changes in schedules … Read more
The process of forming our union is almost complete. We won a strong contract. Now we need to adopt a constitution and elect officers for our affiliate. Information on how to vote and nominations forms have been mailed to our homes.
Kaiser management, without our input, decided to place all Anaheim Emergency Department RNs on uniform shifts from 8 to 8. For years, UNAC/UHCP members have worked in the Anaheim ED on varied shifts (e.g. some shifts are 3 to 3, 7 to 7, 10 to 10), just like many emergency rooms, to ensure sufficient coverage during peak periods. This unilateral change that Kaiser plans to implement doesn’t work for our patients and doesn’t work for us. We are on the frontlines of patient care. To date, Kaiser has ignored our concerns. We are extremely disappointed Kaiser isn’t working with us collaboratively. Please send a message to Kaiser on our behalf in support of the varied shifts that are critical in emergency care.
The Nurse Health Study 3 is recruiting participants for its next survey group. The information you give will provide the basis of much of what we know about health and disease, as the previous Nurse Health Studies have done. RNs, NPs, and CNMs are all eligible to participate. To join or obtain more information, click here.
This week, we reached agreement with management on seven more issues and our contract is now nearly 60% complete. We also informed Prime that we have the right to wear UNAC/UHCP pins and they agreed. We will present our wage, benefit and patient care proposals on July 24.
Jettie Deden-Castillo, NP, from Kaiser Downey shares her unique AFSCME convention experience.
My first impression of the AFSCME convention was WOW. This was my first opportuity to attend one. It occurs every 2 years. This year it took place in Los Angeles so it was easy for me to get there if you call LA traffic easy. There were people from all over the United States, Hawaii, Alaska, and even as far as Puerto Rico. … Read more
“I also learned that the biggest mistake we can make as a union right now is to get comfortable with what we have negotiated at the bargaining table. We must take our unity at the bargaining table back to the kitchen tables. Not only is our own profession highly dependent on each other, but also our neighbors and our communities. We must actively protect the public services on which so many of our neighbors depend. We can start by talking to our friends about what we do.”
Another big win for UNAC/UHCP as our President, Ken Deitz, RN, is elected to serve as an AFSCME International Vice President. “I am proud to see our president hold a position that will help to influence health care policy in our union and our country,” said Valentina Zamora-Arreola, a UNAC/UHCP delegate to the convention.
Pam Brodersen, NP, shares her AFSCME convention experience below.
To be part of the delegation representing NUHHCE and UNAC/UHCP was, number one, an honor and, number two, a truly busy week! We had work to do through out the day at the convention, it was always long days and sometimes long nights as well! There is a lot of work to be done in the five days of the convention, new officers to elect as … Read more
“I’ve seen the democratic process firsthand as a delegate to the 2012 AFSCME International Convention. It truly is an inspiration.” By Jess Mangubat, RN and KSRNA Vice President
“I feel that sitting on the Board of Optometry in the prime of one’s career is advantageous because you have enough experience to understand multiple aspects of your profession including patient care and clinical practice, administrative aspects, as well the implications on public health,” Chawla shared. “You also have the ability to actively participate in the evolution of your profession as well as potentially improve the profession for future generations. ”
The proposed language would allow hospitals to waive the staffing ratios on all units during meals and breaks. “The UNAC/UHCP, AFSCME legislative team immediately developed a plan to actively oppose the language and to inform the legislators that UNAC/UHCP, AFSCME would never support anything that would threaten the staffing ratios that California Registered Nurses worked so hard to achieve and the patients deserve,” said Barbara Blake, RN, UNAC/UHCP State Secretary/Treasurer. Click here to read UNAC/UHCP’s letter of opposition to the proposed language.
Camp Laurel lets children living with HIV/AIDS experience the magic and wonder of summer camp. UNAC/UHCP is once again helping Camp Laurel find Volunteer Medical Staff (LVN, RN, NP, PA or MD licensed in CA) for its Summer & Teen Camp–for the entire week or just half (July 1-4, or July 4-7). Volunteers can join in camp activities like campfires, hiking, arts & crafts, and cabin skits. Learn how to volunteer.
For the United Nurses, endorsing the right candidate had a special meaning this election year. With UNAC/UHCP Political Director Jimmy Gomez running for an LA-based seat in the State Assembly, his candidacy raised political participation from many nurses who helped power Gomez to a strong first place finish. “Having seen Jimmy’s commitment to nurses and patients through his work at UNAC/UHCP, I am proud to be a part of his campaign to represent us in Sacramento,” stated RN Tina Ang, from UNAC/UHCP’s Kaiser Sunset affiliate.
SCNSC and MIDWIVES Negotiations continue —
Economic issues are expected to take center stage when both groups return to the table in May and June in efforts to negotiate a first contract.
Reminder: AFSCME Convention —
The International AFSCME Convention will be June 18-22, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This is an opportunity to see what our international union will do for the next two years. Anyone may attend the convention as an … Read more
Delegates have been selected and are as follows:
Delegates
Suzanne Delaney, RN | UNAC/UHCP
Michael Zackos, RN | UNAC/UHCP
Pamela Brodersen, NP | KDRNA
Thor Causing | UNAC/UHCP
Delima MacDonald, RN | Member at Large
John “Tim” Uliasz, RN | KSDHCPA
Gerardo Bajamundi, RN | UNAC/UHCP
Jettie Deden-Castillo, NP | KDRNA
Asela Omilig-Espiritu, RN | KOCPA
Jess Mangubat, RN | KSRNA
Valentina Zamora Arreola, RN | KOVHCPA
John Currie, RN, MSN | PMRNA
Pamela Pressney, … Read more
Constitutional amendments must be submitted by July 20, 2012. 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 elected officers of the Affiliate certifying that the Amendment was approved for submission to the Convention by … Read more
During this year’s convention on October 22-24, an election will be held for Secretary/Treasurer, and three Board of Director seats.
Nominations for Secretary/Treasurer are now open, and will remain open until the close of the business session on Monday, October 22. Currently holding the position is Barbara Blake, RN. The Secretary/Treasurer serves a four-year term, and will automatically serve as a delegate to the NUHHCE and AFSCME conventions. The State Constitution, Section 606, specifies the … Read more
UNAC/UHCP Nurses fought for our state’s landmark Safe Staffing Law. During Nurses Week, State Secretary/Treasurer Barbara Blake, RN, writing in the North County Times, called for passage of Senate Bill 1246.
UNAC/UHCP is again stepping up to advocate for our patients. To shore up our Safe Staffing law, we’ve sponsored Senate Bill 1246, authored by California State Senator Ed Hernandez, a doctor of optometry. In addition to safe nurse-to-patient ratios, California law requires every acute … Read more
More than 1,500 members attended the nine days of bargaining sessions in Southern California. Members attended sessions, asked questions, and made their voices heard. The overwhelming number of UNAC/UHCP members was called “a sea of blue” and showed Kaiser management we meant business.
“Each and every one of us standing together can make a difference!” —Korla St. Cyr, RN, Baldwin Park Infusion Center
During April, hundreds of UNAC/UHCP members across Southern California participated in actions … Read more
Registered Nurses at Beverly Hospital ratified their first contract on May 2, 2012, winning protections for patient safety after a year of difficult bargaining that included a federal government decision to prosecute the employer for unlawful negotiation tactics.
“We worked long and hard to see this day,” said Susan Justin, RN. “We never gave up on protecting our patients and community. Now we have a contract that guarantees Beverly nurses a strong voice in patient … Read more
On February 27, UNAC/UHCP member-activist Marcia Schlesinger, NP, UNAC/UHCP President Ken Deitz, RN and UNAC/UHCP State Secretary/Treasurer Barbara Blake, RN had the extraordinary opportunity to speak with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and her senior advisors about health care reform. They took part in an AFSCME Nurses Advisory Committee meeting coordinated to ensure nurses were able to give their input in the process.
“I was very impressed by Secretary Sebelius and her top … Read more
On March 17, our own Sandy Oleson received the Outstanding Labor Volunteer of the Year award from the San Diego / Imperial Counties Central Labor Council. UNAC/UHCP was also recognized as labor union of the year.
“What you do comes back to you tenfold,” Sandy told us. She traces her involvement in the San Diego Labor Council back to her time as an affiliate officer at Kaiser San Diego, when then UNAC President Kathy Sackman told affiliate … Read more
UNAC/UHCP marked Nurses Week through many different celebrations throughout Southern California. Since we celebrated Nurses Week in 2011, UNAC/UHCP Registered Nurses have:
UNAC/UHCP members are on a winning streak: Kaiser national bargaining; a first contract at Beverly Hospital; a court decision that puts Chino RNs at the bargaining table. But we can’t rest. We must beat back the Corporate Power Grab on the November ballot; win that first contract for Chino RNs; and get strong contracts in all our upcoming negotiations.
How are we racking up the wins? The old fashioned way: solidarity and collective action. When … Read more
Our RN Bargaining Team met on Monday, June 4th to begin discussions on issues that have been raised in meetings with Chino RNs and from our Bargaining Surveys. The team reviewed multiple UNAC/UHCP contracts and began drafting proposals for negotiations.
As the Gallery of Success at this year’s Affiliate Officer’s Conference (AAOC) shows, it’s been a big year for UNAC/UHCP. In addition to this year’s high-profile contract wins, every affiliate increased membership participation. Read on to learn how.
Governor Jerry Brown’s revised budget is intended to close a nearly $16 billion deficit in the state of California. However, advocacy groups representing health care providers and patients, including UNAC/UHCP, are concerned about the impact of budget cuts on patients. An early proposed cut would have removed nurse inspector jobs from California, and cut fees used to enforce patient safety laws.
UNAC/UHCP Nurses fought for nurse-to-patient ratios and our state’s landmark Safe Staffing Law, which have been shown to save lives. But these laws need tighter enforcement. During Nurses Week State Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Blake, RN, writing in the North County Times, called for passage of Senate Bill 1246 to save even more lives. Read it here.
At 2:45AM Friday, May 11, UNAC/UHCP and the Coalition of Unions reached a tentative agreement with Kaiser covering 95,000 Kaiser employees across the country. Had it not been for the active support of thousands of our members, this would not have been possible. Read the basics here. Please stay tuned for more details. You Made It Happen! We Did It!
Chino RNs will hold their first general membership meeting on May 23, where they will vote for their bargaining team. The Registered Nurses will begin bargaining with Chino Valley Medical Center on June 12. A recap of the road to bargaining can be found here.… Read more
RN Cindy Cipres Klein, a member of the UNAC/UHCP Board of Directors, and Riverside affiliate Clinic President has been appointed to the Board of Registered Nursing by Governor Jerry Brown. “I’m honored to be able to represent my profession,” Cipres Klein stated. “I look forward to working with Governor Brown, the other members of the Board of Registered Nurses, and the dedicated staff of the BRN.”
In January 2011, Fountain Valley Professional Association filed a grievance against Fountain Valley Regional Medical Center on behalf of 23 RNs who were involuntarily and without notice stripped of their Clinician II status, resulting in a 5% reduction in pay. The grievance process led to arbitration which FVPA won on May 3, 2012. The arbitrator ruled FVRMC violated the collective bargaining agreement, and ordered FVRMC to retroactively pay the effected RNs the 5% they lost … Read more
UNAC/UHCP members have hosting mobile phone banks in their own home, and volunteering to phone voters in support of UNAC/UHCP Political Affairs Director Jimmy Gomez’s campaign for California Assembly District 51. Gomez has pledged to be a voice for safe staffing enforcement and other issues of concern to UNAC/UHCP members. See photos and volunteer.
“SB 1246 will help Registered Nurses provide safe patient care without worrying about hospitals cutting corners and jeopardizing the health of a patient,” said Barbara Blake, RN, State Secretary/Treasurer of UNAC/UHCP.
Kaiser New Group Negotiations Begin —
Kaiser Case Managers, Patient Educators, Midwives and WOCNs have been negotiating for over a month in the UNAC/UHCP San Dimas state office for their first contract. Updates on their progress are available at unacuhcp.org
Kaiser National Bargaining Begins —
Kaiser National Bargaining started March 6 in Los Angeles. For information about who is bargaining on your behalf, how to sign up to attend bargaining, or for bargaining updates, visit … Read more
Board of Registered Nursing is Restored
Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation reconstituting the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) in February. This was necessary because the BRN, the board that regulates all Registered Nurses in the state of California, was disbanded on January 1, 2012.
The “new” BRN is funded until January 1, 2016. The entire board will be reappointed under the new bill. We look forward to working with the Governor on appointments.
Get … Read more
Every day retirees hear threats to the retirement security they have worked for all their lives. Employers who want to cut retiree health care benefits; Politicians who want to slash Social Security; even eliminate Medicare as we know it.
Well now retired members of UNAC/UHCP are doing something about it. They are forming the UNAC/UHCP Retiree Council. So far hundreds of retired nurses and other health care professionals have joined and if you are a … Read more
Paul Horvat, CPA, the newly hired Finance Director at the UNAC/UHCP state office in San Dimas, comes to us with a deep familial connection to both health care and union work. It’s not just that his aunt is a Hematology Oncology Pediatrician at the City of Hope. It’s not just his cousin and uncle, who are physicians at Kaiser. He says, “My family has had enormous impact on many of the values I hold. My … Read more
I have known Delima for more than 20 years. I remember I was impressed with her when she was the treasurer for the Kaiser Panorama City Affiliate. When we lost our State Treasurer Kathy and I were looking for someone we thought would be good for the State Organization and both of us thought about Delima. She ran and was elected as our State Treasurer. We grew from the one person in Finance to where … Read more
When I initially was getting acquainted with UNAC/UHCP, Delima was welcoming and supportive, never judging. As long as I’ve known her, she’s shown unlimited generosity of heart and spirit, forgiveness, enormous compassion, and true loyalty as a friend. As her name suggests, she is a totally unique individual with a wild sense of humor. She’s the car speeding by you on the freeway, and as many have noted, she used to be the motorcycle racing … Read more
Having worked with Delima for over twenty years, I can say quite clearly that UNAC/UHCP’s monies have been held by the best possible hands. The guidance and structure that Delima brought to us is unsurpassed by any Treasurer. At no time could any member affiliate officer or UNAC/UHCP officer doubt that Delima knew where every penny was. Now, occasionally she might add or drop a couple of zeroes, but when questioned, the right dollar amount … Read more
I remember browbeating you at a Convention (I can’t remember the year), into running as UNAC Treasurer as we had a vacancy. Since we weren’t paying much of a salary, you decided to continue to work in ICU on 12 hour shifts night turn, and then spend the rest of the week at the UNAC office. I believe we had a part-time clerical person helping you out. That lasted about six months, and you decided … Read more
With heavy hearts, UNAC/UHCP bids State Treasurer Delima MacDonald goodbye. On March 31, 2012, our favorite free spirit will begin her new life in retirement.
In 1982, Dee, as she was then known, became UNAC’s state treasurer. What Would Delima Do was born. At UNAC/UHCP, Delima is known for her no nonsense approach to record keeping and staying on the right side of the law. In fact, UNAC/UHCP is what it is today because she … Read more
UNAC/UHCP is about to begin negotiations with our largest employer, Kaiser Permanente. This contract directly affects over half our members, who belong to the Kaiser affiliates. But ultimately it will affect every single UNAC/UHCP member.
Kaiser’s the largest hospital chain in California. The contract we win with Kaiser will set the standard for every hospital where our members work. It will either raise or lower the bar for all of us. So we’re doing a … Read more
UNAC/UHCP raised concerns over the Surgery Day Program because of the potential risks placed on volunteering RNs, NPs, and PAs who were not covered by standard workplace protections while volunteering for the community organizations.
Governor Jerry Brown has signed Senate Bill 98, the legislation reconstituting the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The entire board will be reappointed under the new bill.
Flight attendants from over 20 airlines held protests on February 6 at LAX to protest attacks on collective bargaining rights in the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill, which has passed both Houses of Congress and is waiting for a signature from President Obama. Several LA unions and many other LAX workers joined in the protests on Monday in solidarity with the flight attendant and their cause.
Montebello’s first responders have been closely watching the Nurses’ negotiations with the hospital because they bring patients to the ER on a daily basis. The firefighters join the growing list of community leaders calling on the Beverly Hospital administration and Board of Directors to settle a contract with the Nurses and invest in patient care.
El Monte Mayor Andre Quintero led a delegation of concerned El Monte residents to Beverly Hospital today to speak to CEO Gary Kiff. Mayor Quintero delivered the message that partnership with the nurses union can only strengthen the health of the hospital, speaking from his experience serving on the board of a San Gabriel Valley Hospital.
This morning members of the Clean Carwash Campaign, led by Felipe Villareal, visited Beverly Hospital to talk to CEO Gary Kiff about quality and safe patient care. “We thank the Registered Nurses for fighting for their patients,” said Villareal, “and for remaining strong during managements’ stalling at the negotiating table.”
A delegation of ten grocery workers went to Beverly Hospital today to join our fight for quality care. “Everyone knows that nurses are the backbone of any hospital,” said UFCW Local 1428 Secretary Treasurer Mark Ramos, “and that’s why today we join the Beverly Nurses in support of their efforts for a collective bargaining agreement at Beverly Hospital.”
Three Montebello School Board members Ed Chau, Gerri Guzman and David Vela presented Beverly CEO Gary Kiff with a letter calling for him to invest in quality patient care and settle a fair contract without further delay, repair and upgrade equipment, and raise RN wage rates so Beverly can retain experienced nurses.
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… Read more
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.… Read more
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
According to a recent survey, hospitals know now there will be labor shortages in the next several years as a result of health care reform. Chief among their concerns are nurses and physicians, those who deliver the care to patients. The consulting firm reviewed the survey’s findings, and stated “hospitals have to rethink and refine core business and operating processes while continuing to deliver quality care to the communities they serve.”
Together, let’s imagine our future. We have the responsibility in these negotiations to make sure that we secure what we have as we go forward into our future. Falling back is not an option. We all need to step up–be active, educated and informed. Unionized workers in our country have faced difficult negotiations in every industry. Our negotiations are likely to be no different.
Please complete the local bargaining survey online here.
As Kaiser … Read more
The following ad appeared in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. Click to view a full size version. Text of the ad: At Beverly Hospital, when it rains…it pours!! We are Beverly RNs. For years, we have been asking hospital management to invest in our community hospital and provide safe quality care. Our professional demands have been ignored by management and we need your help…Tell the Beverly Hospital Board of Directors you are Standing With the Nurses in the fight for quality patient care at Beverly Hospital!
In a move designed to keep the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) functioning, President Obama yesterday appointed Sharon Block, Richard Griffin, and Terence Flynn to the Board as recess appointments. Obama’s recess appointments were pivotal because the five member NLRB was down to just two members, too few to fully function. The Board is now restored to full membership. Sharon Block is a deputy assistant to Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Richard Griffin is a board member of the AFL-CIO, and Terence Flynn is a counsel to the Republican member of the board.
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 the right to… 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 like … Read more
Beverly Hospital provides the lowest education benefits of any nearby hospital, though RN education is one of the best ways to improve patient care.
Registered Nurses at Montebello’s Beverly Hospital joined together Thursday night holding candles on the street outside the hospital to call attention to practices that have lowered the standard of care in the hospital. “We’re nurses,” said Veronica Arellano, Telemetry R.N. “Every day we walk through the doors of Beverly Hospital, we bring the desire to ease pain, to help heal, and to provide top-notch care. But we can’t do that, because management won’t do the right thing.”
“Beverly Hospital could have sat down with their nurses and addressed the issues. Instead they took the money that should go towards patient care and handed it off to a pricey attorney.”
On December 10, 2011, UNAC/UHCP participated in the first of two LA candidate forums sponsored by AFSCME. The forums allow us to ask candidates questions about issues that affect our lives to candidates seeking UNAC/UHCP endorsements, as well as AFSMCE 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 staffing ratios, education, and their budget priorities.
Beverly RNs are in the fight of their lives. See our full-page ads running Tuesday in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and La Opinion, highlighting our struggles to improve patient care at our hospital.
The result of the Affordable Care Act provision allowing adults below age 26 to remain on parents’ health care plans is an astounding 2.5 million young adults now with health insurance. This piece of the health care reform, which went into effect last year, has been more than twice as successful as expected. Please click through to watch a Kaiser Family Foundation video for a full overview of the law.
Surrounding community hospitals reward and respect their Registered Nurses with twice as many paid holidays as Beverly Hospital. At bargaining, we proposed 7 holidays paid at time and a half. Currently, Beverly gets three paid holidays.
Check out the full page ad that ran in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and La Opinion on December 6. Beverly RNs are in the fight of their lives. They voted to form a union with UNAC/UHCP to improve their working conditions and patient care last February, but management is stalling negotiations.
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 written … 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 me … 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 without … 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
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit heard oral argument on CVMC’s appeal of the NLRB’s determination that it violated federal law by refusing to bargain with Chino RNs’ chosen representative, UNAC/UHCP. A three-judge panel asked questions of the attorneys representing CVMC, the NLRB, and UNAC/UHCP. The Court could issue its written decision by the end of the year.
Bargaining with Kaiser begins March 6, 2012. The first step in winning a fair contract that guarantees what we fought so hard to achieve is to complete our National Bargaining Survey online here.
Just Cause means that RNs are entitled to “due process” for any alleged violations. With Just Cause, if an RN is accused of doing something wrong, management must fully investigate. The RN can also fully investigate and present their side of the story. Just Cause also means no disciplinary action against an RN in a manner that doesn’t fit the alleged issue. For example, being terminated for a first offense. Beverly Management wants to be able to terminate or discipline an RN for any reason without following Just Cause.
After the outpouring of support for Beverly RNs from elected officials and the community at our rally on November 8, management came to the Bargaining Table with a different tone on November 10. We won agreement on Leaves of Absence which guarantees bereavement leave and jury duty pay and a fair process for returning to work after a leave. We also won an added bargaining date after calls from elected officials for Beverly Hospital to show that it’s serious about negotiating with us.
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 per … Read more
Congresswoman Judy Chu and other elected officials spoke at a rally in front of Beverly Hospital today in support of Registered Nurses who have been negotiating with the hospital for months in their fight to guarantee safe, quality patient care. “I urge Beverly Hospital to bargain in good faith, talk about the issues, and move forward,” Congresswoman Chu said. “Do right by these hardworking nurses.”
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.… Read more
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, RN, UNAC/UHCP… 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
“With UNAC/UHCP as our champion on the job, we’re able to stay focused on patient care, where our attention belongs.”
After 8 months of tough negotiations, UFCW members who work at Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons voted to approve a new collective bargaining agreement. The unwavering support of our friends and allies from the community, including labor unions, who joined our fight to support grocery workers, was outstanding. Our heartfelt thanks to United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP)!
Nearly 30 RNs, from every unit at Beverly Hospital, spoke out with examples of unsafe staffing at Beverly, in bargaining on Friday September 23. The RN Bargaining Team and management reached agreement on Friday on union recognition and on medical exams.
Attorney General Kamala Harris has denied her consent to the sale of Victor Valley Community Hospital to Prime Healthcare. This means Prime will be unable to purchase the hospital. In August, Garden Grove Registered Nurses’ Association President Helen Bouman, RN, and UNAC/UHCP Staff Attorney Lisa Demidovich both testified about Prime Healthcare’s unlawful and damaging treatment of its RNs at Garden Grove and CVMC.
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
Seven hundred Registered Nurses at St. Francis Medical Center (SFMC) ratified their contract, after a three day strike was averted. Less than 72 hours after hospital management received the strike notification, SFMC agreed to all major issues that had been holding up settlement of the contract.
The National Labor Relations Board has issued a Final Rule that will require employers to notify employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act. During the public comments period, UNAC/UHCP submitted a valuable suggestion that was included in the final rule.
UNAC/UHCP members have been barnstorming local grocery stores in support of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) in the past month. UNAC/UHCP members from Kaiser Panorama City visited their adopted Ralphs. The Registered Nurses met with the store manager to voice solidarity with UFCW and discuss the tenor of bargaining thus far.
On Saturday, August 20, UNAC/UHCP participated in the United Domestic Workers of America’s health fair in San Diego. UNAC/UHCP members checked blood pressure for more than 100 attendees, many of whom do not have access to health care.
Helen Bouman, RN and UNAC/UHCP State Secretary Barbara Blake, RN led a delegation of UNAC/UHCP members from Garden Grove Medical Center on a visit to their local Albertsons on August 17 to voice support for the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). Said Blake, “We were very moved by the personal stories of the workers from the store.”
Proposition 25 did exactly what it was designed to do, and what was promised. It allowed the Legislature to pass an on-time budget with a majority vote and docked their pay for every day past the June 15 constitutional deadline that a balanced budget was not passed.
An effort to fix an oversight in the health care reform law would include Social Security benefits when determining Medicare and insurance subsidy eligibility. The group most likely to lose from this proposal? People with disabilities, who have a two year waiting period after their first Social Security disability payment before they become Medicare-eligible.
Each year the AFSCME Family Scholarship Program provides ten $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors that will be renewed for $2,000 each year for a maximum of four years, provided the student remains enrolled in a full-time course of study.
During a time when unions and collective bargaining rights are under attack, we must make every effort to support other unions and their members. UNAC/UHCP members from Kaiser South Bay did just that in late July.
Legislation that would strip the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) of the ability to redress illegal subcontracting, outsourcing, and transfers of work by employers was rushed through the US House of Representatives Education and the Workforce Committee. The full House of Representatives may vote on the Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act (HR 2587) the last week in July.
Medical Missions Kenya and Hunger Relief Organization will be taking a group of volunteer nurses and doctors on a medical mission trip to Kenya December 1-15, 2011. The organization will target remote rural villages to provide medical relief to locals, often poverty-stricken individuals who have been excluded from healthcare systems worldwide.
UNAC/UHCP has started organizing RNs, formerly known as “specialty 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.
A group attempting to eliminate rights for public sector employees in the state of California has filed a proposed ballot initiative that would ban recognition of all public sector labor unions and prevent the government from bargaining with them.
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
Through our unique structure, we are able to live up to our guiding principles and represent every single member, regardless of issue, with vigor and professionalism. I’m proud to say after 39 years, UNAC/UHCP remains health care professionals representing health care professionals.
“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
AFSCME activists nationwide gathered at the Next Wave Conference in Atlanta, Georgia to engage members age 35 and under to develop the next generation of AFSCME leaders. UNAC/UHCP sent State Secretary Barbara Blake, RN, and newly hired Staff Representative Tamara Yildiz, RN.
While one third of US emergency departments closed between 1989 and 2009, safety net emergency departments were an astounding 40% more likely to disappear during the same time frame.
The investigation into the billing practices of Prime Healthcare, owners of Garden Grove Hospital and Medical Center and Chino Valley Medical Center, continued with an official letter sent to the director of the California Department of Public Health by Assemblyman Bill Monning.
“Truly, this award goes to our members, who walked the precincts, phone banked voters, participated in PEOPLE drives, attended rallies, and took on elected roles or volunteered at their local affiliates. They already have demanding, heroic jobs, and that they go beyond that for the good of the labor community should be an inspiration to everyone.”
On July 12, we expect St. Francis management to respond to our economic proposals. Bargaining over these proposals will continue for three days. Be a part of the action. Sign up for Text Message Alerts to receive up-to-the-minute information about negotiations. Text SFRNA to 37398.
UNAC/UHCP members join Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones at a paper bag lunch event in San Diego in July to discuss soaring health care costs in California. UNAC/UHCP joined more than 80 guests including members of the San Diego Labor Council and the Middle Class Taxpayers Association.
Besides losing their right to negotiate over the percentage of their paycheck that will go toward health care and retirement, unions also lost the ability to claim work as a ‘union-only’ job, opening the door for private workers and evidently even inmates to step in and take their place.
Let our St. Francis brothers and sisters know that we stand with them in their struggle for their patients, our profession, and their families, by signing the petition now.
Four bills we support and one we oppose related to the work our members do as health care professionals.
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
I have a lot of friends that work in non-union hospitals. When their management makes a decision, there’s nothing they can do about it. That’s the way it has to be in a non-union hospital.
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
UNAC/UHCP supports American Nurses Association’s position in case headed to the California Supreme Court.
The second day of the Annual Affiliate Officers Conference (AAOC) focused on creating an environment of exceptional leadership and teamwork at UNAC/UHCP. The aim was to align affiliate goals with the UNAC/UHCP vision through teamwork.
“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
Members learn how to serve as effective affiliate representatives throughout the grievance and arbitration processes.
UNAC/UHCP recognized local elected and community leaders for the support they gave Beverly Nurses voting to form their union.
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.
Thirty two workers were fired in the Allina Health System for accessing patient records in violation of HIPAA. The health workers were terminated on May 5 and worked at two hospitals.
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 complications … Read more
UNAC/UHCP has filed an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief 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.
The Kaiser South Bay Health Care Professional Association partnered with Kaiser for a special Nurses Appreciation luncheon in honor of Nurses Week.
The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals salutes our members for the important work they do everyday.
RNs were greeted with a smile and a free Jamba Juice by their UNAC/UHCP co-workers after learning about their innovative Performance Sharing Plan (PSP), which can earn them end-of-year bonuses for meeting certain goals for patient and employee health, safety and satisfaction.
Members of the United Nurses Association/Union of Health Care Professionals Retirees Council Committee met in the UNAC/UHCP San Dimas office to plan for the future. Committee member Barbara Jordan, RN, said, “UNAC/UHCP does not end when you retire. It is a new beginning.”
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
I like meeting people. Every patient has a story. They’re sick and needy and scared, but I ask them questions. How long have you been married? What country were you born in? It helps take their mind off their troubles.
KAISER UNIONS DELEGATES CONFERENCE — In late March approximately 60 Kaiser affiliate leaders and UNAC/UHCP staff will attend the annual Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions Delegate Conference in San Jose. This year’s conference theme is Transformational Leadership
On April 4 we gathered to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, in solidarity with union members and collective bargaining rights under attack nationwide.
On April 5 the National Labor Relations Board’s local Regional Director filed in federal court to reinstate Ronald Magsino to his position as Emergency Room RN at Chino Valley Medical Center. “I just want to clear my name,” said Ronald.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was helping to organize AFSCME Sanitation Workers in Memphis, Tennessee when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968. In San Diego and LA this Monday, April 4, we’ll honor his legacy by joining in solidarity to support nurses and working families across the United States.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will prosecute multiple Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs), filed by UNAC/UHCP against Chino Valley Medical Center, in a trial beginning June 6. The Hospital’s violations are considered so severe that the NLRB is seeking an extraordinary remedy: a high-ranking executive to read the Notice of Unfair Labor Practices aloud to nurses on worktime.
UNAC/UHCP invites you to attend a march and rally on Saturday, March 26th in Los Angeles to fight back against the attacks on union rights taking place across the country.
Nurses screened hundreds of patients, and optometrists gazed into more than 200 eyeballs at this year’s African American Men’s Health and Empowerment Summit. Though the program is known as the Black Barbershop Outreach Program, this year’s event was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, a sign of its continued growth and success.
The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) is pleased to announce that Beth Capell has joined the Sacramento lobbying team of the Southern California-based nurses’ union.
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
UNAC/UHCP members took part in the Orange County Labor Federation’s candlelight vigil in support of the Wisconsin workers at the Santa Ana State Office Building.
Registered Nurses at Beverly Hospital seeking to rectify long standing patient safety issues at the facility voted by a wide margin to join UNAC/UHCP.
Wisconsin nurses in public facilities lost most collective bargaining rights, along with other Wisconsin public workers.
UNAC/UHCP members Larry Winkler, Deborah Saia and Tamara Yildiz traveled to Sacramento for the “WE ARE ONE” candlelight vigil in solidarity with the Wisconsin workers.
United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) Kaiser Permanente Association of Southern California Optometrists (KPASCO) Member and Kaiser Woodland Hills standout optometrist Dr. Kathryn Nelson, OD has been named Southern California Permanente Medical Group Optometrist of Year.
The National Labor Relations Board Region 31 has rejected Chino Valley Medical Center’s refusal to negotiate with the 125 Registered Nurses at the hospital and is using a fast track process to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
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 in the … 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
UNAC/UHCP has been certified as the representative body for the Chino Valley RNs and the hospital must now sit down at the negotiating table.
The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) today announced its support for Professor Christopher David Ruiz Cameron of Southwestern School of Law to be appointed to the California Supreme Court.
Members at Kaiser South Bay recently participated in UNAC/UHCP’s Basic Labor Management Training Class where they earn continuing education credits to become more familiar with the union, its benefits and how to navigate the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the grievance process.
When the patients in Kaiser Downey’s gastrointestinal department started showing up unprepared for their procedures, the nurses in the unit took action.
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
California Governor Jerry Brown has just released his budget proposal for the state of California. Barbara Blake, RN, UNAC/UHCP’s State Secretary released the following statement in response.
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 experience the magic and wonder of childhood without the stresses of their daily lives.… 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
Brown is sworn in as California’s 39th Governor
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.… Read more
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
Rob Penney and Barbara Lewis join UNAC/UHCP
Ken Deitz elected President of UNAC/UHCP as founder Kathy J. Sackman retires
Kathryn Nelson, OD, & Pamela Yamek, NP, receive award at Kaiser Woodland Hills
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 activities hosted in Kaiser’s Southern … 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 proposal to … Read more
Slide presentation given by Katherine Cox from AFSCME International.
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 of 117 … 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 the five … 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 to … 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 of the … Read more
Date: November 7-10, 2010
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Long-time UNAC President’s decision to leave is “bittersweet.”
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
Giving Back: Camp Laurel
UNAC Volunteer RNs Provide Care to Children with HIV/AIDS
Registered Nurses from UNAC/UHCP joined other health care
professionals to provide medical care at Camp Laurel this summer.
Camp Laurel is a program offered twice a year in Bear Valley for
children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
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.… Read more
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.
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 Program (Bass – D)… Read more
Convention is approaching and so is the deadline to submit Constitutional amendments. The date all amendments are due is August 8 (not Aug. 12, as reported in the Voice). The explanation on how amendments may be submitted was provided in the July/August 2010 issue of the Voice.
Frivolous Objections by Prime Healthcare Services Overruled
San Dimas, CA –The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) was cleared of any misconduct during an organizing campaign preceding the Registered Nurses vote to unionize and affiliate with UNAC/UHCP in April 2010. Chino Valley Medical Center filed twenty-nine objections with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging Union election misconduct. Last week an Administrative Law Judge overruled all of the Hospital’s objections, clearing the way for the Union to be certified as the nurses’ representative.
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 and, at the time … 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.… Read more
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.… Read more
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 capita … 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 … 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
Each year the Camp Laurel Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization, provides a summer and winter camp to children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in Bear Valley. Based in Pasadena, the organization is always looking for medical volunteers to meet the medical care needs of the campers. This year, UNAC/UHCP reached out to its members in order to find some much needed volunteers for this year’s summer camp program.
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
The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) congratulates newly elected California State Assembly Member Mike Gatto, victor in the runoff special election for the 43rd District.
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
AFSCME California, after a comprehensive review process, has developed a list of recommendations for the ballot propositions. These are only recommendations and we hope you take them into consideration when deciding how to vote.
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.… Read more
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 Year … 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 been … 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 thank Kyle … 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.… Read more
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
Chino Valley Medical Center Registered Nurses Vote by a Strong Majority to Join UNAC/UHCP To Win a Voice in the Workplace
Kathy Sackman, RN and president of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), reinforced the Southern California-based union’s advocacy of national health care reform today, lauding the successful passage of the Affordable Health Care for America bill in the House of Representatives.
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 Committees … 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, RN; Aleyama … 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.… Read more
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 Services … 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
Since 2000, UNAC/UHCP has donated $10,000 to charitable organizations selected by one of their union affiliates on a rotating basis. Originally, the contribution was given in conjunction with Nurses Week held in May. However, in light of the magnitude of devastation in Haiti and urgent need, UNAC/UHCP decided to increase the contribution and give it now rather than this spring.
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.… Read more
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, UNAC/UHCP members donated their time in November to provide health screening for African-American men through the Black … 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.… Read more
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 please RSVP to Jeremy … Read more
UNAC/UHCP State Secretary Barbara Blake, RN, provides delegates of the Los Angeles Central Labor Council with a presentation explaining why labor health care facilities are superior to non-unionized facilities in terms of patient outcomes and working conditions.
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 counseling … Read more
Sackman joined panelists UCLA School of Public Affairs Professors Fernando Torres-Gil, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Mark Peterson, Professor of Public Policy and Political Science, as well as John Healy, Editorial Writer for the LA Times
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 3299 … 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).… Read more
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.… Read more
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
Members of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) volunteer for RAM LA 2009 to provide free dental, vision, medical and women’s health care services during the weeklong event, from August 11 through 18.
UNAC/UHCP President Kathy J. Sackman, RN, responds to a recent LA Times article addressing Governor Schwarzenegger’s decisions that have contributed to the problems at the California Board of Registered Nursing.
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 jobs and livelihoods … 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 UNAC/UHCP because … 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 Buena … Read more
Remarks from UNAC/UHCP Political Director, Jimmy Gomez, regarding California’s state budget initiative, Proposition 1A, on the May 19, 2009 ballot
Registered Nurse union member highlights need for protections in the workplace for health care professionals
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
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 supports new reporting requirement for non-profit hospitals that
for the first time will provide data on charity care on a cost basis
Nurses union officer advocates for comprehensive health care reform to address health care quality issues, improve access to patient care and meet the ongoing demand for nurses
Nurses union officer testifies at Business and Professions committee meeting,
aiding in the passage of bill to clarify the scope of practice for nurse practitioners
Union’s state secretary testifies to California Senate Health Committee in support of SB 810 as the ideal option for achieving universal health care for all Californians
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 triathlete.… 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 … 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 ultrasound. … 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 Riverside … 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, addressing … 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 638 Student financial aid: … 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 of … 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 the story … 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. Their … 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
