How to Join Your Local Union to Find Nursing Support

Nurses face difficult situations at work, but when they become too much, a support group or union can help them advocate for fair workplace rights.

Unions have existed since the early 1900s as a way for workers to enforce fair workplace practices. But unionizing can be tricky depending on where you live in the U.S. States like California, Washington State, and New York have laws that make collective bargaining easier, while other states, such as Texas, have laws that limit union activity.

When it comes to nurses’ workplace safety, each person has the power to protect themselves against unfair work policies, even if they’re unaware of it. Read on to learn how to use unions to advocate for nurses everywhere.

Know Your Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act

If you think you might not be able to join a union where you live, think againunder the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), your right to join a union, engage in collective bargaining, and take collective action is protected by federal law.

This means that most workers in different occupations, including nurses, are eligible to participate in union activity. The NLRA also states that it is illegal for your employer to talk about a union during non-work time or to question your union support to discourage you from participating in union activity.

The organizing rules also differ based on your workplace, such as if you work for a private or state-based agency. To learn more about how to unionize based on your employer, refer to the Worker Organizing Resource and Knowledge Center chart.

Be Familiar With Your Local Laws

Although the NLRA protects your right to unionize, some states have laws that weaken union activity.

A right-to-work law is a type of regulation in which joining a union or paying dues is completely voluntary and up to the employee.

Although right-to-work laws emphasize employee freedom and job performance, these regulations have also resulted in lower unionization rates and made it harder for people to collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Becoming familiar with state laws around unionizing can ensure that you don’t lose your job and that you’re prepared if your employer decides to take action against you. It can also assist you in knowing whether or not you are a part of a union and how your work rights are protected.

Research More About Union Benefits

Nurses who aren’t members of a union can find that there are benefits to joining one.

These benefits include:

Improved employee benefits
Better workplace health and safety measures
Fair wages and contracts
Protection of nurses’ worker rights

If you’re not sure if you’re a union member, check your pay stub to see if your pay is docked for union fees or ask a coworker.

Visit the union’s website to find information about union fees and activities. If you’re unsure how participation can benefit you, consider contacting a union representative for assistance.

No Union Nearby? Find a Local or National Support Group

You can also join a local support group that will listen to you and be there for you when you need it. These support groups can include local nurses from your workplace or other healthcare workers. There are also online groups you can join on Facebook if you can’t find any in your area.

You can also consider joining a national union. National Nurses United (NNU) is the largest nurse-led union that advocates for improved workplace standards through collective bargaining and advocacy. It has members from all 50 states and leads campaigns on workplace violence prevention, safe workplace practices, and more.

Another option is to participate in NNU’s Nurse Advocacy Network. It’s free to join and is an activist network of nurses, other health care workers, patients, and community supporters that mobilizes for health care justice and provides resources, tools, and training.

Nurses can face situations that can harm them physically or mentally, and unfortunately, not many of them know about their workplace rights and how powerful their voices can be. Unions can help provide that missing piece of vital support, empowering overworked nurses to stand together and create lasting change.

Author
Recent Posts

Karie Pinnix

Karie Pinnix is a public relations strategist and freelance journalist with experience writing content for print and broadcast platforms and creating branding development with start-up companies. She’s written about topics like college nightlife, community organizations in Mississippi, and the nurse shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic. When she’s not working, you can find her exploring nature, catching up on reading, or traveling to the nearest beach.