FMC RNs & Healthcare Workers to Hold Candlelight Vigil for Patient Care Following Exclusive Screening of Michael Moore's SiCKO

Night of Unity Among Nurses, Healthcare Workers & Community to Demonstrate That Improving the Healthcare System Begins With Gaining a Voice For Nurses & Healthcare Workers

Registered nurses with the National Nurses Organizing Committee, along with healthcare workers with the Communications Workers of America, will hold a candlelight vigil at Flagstaff Medical Center to “shine a light” on efforts to win regarding patient care, recruitment & retention, & respect – issues that would be address through union negotiations. The vigil will be held immediately following a screening for nurses, healthcare workers & invited guests, of Michael Moore’s healthcare documentary, SiCKO.

WHAT: Nurses, Healthcare Workers & Community Vigil for Patient Care
WHEN: Tuesday, July 24, 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Flagstaff Medical Center (Corner of Beaver and Forest)

Supporters in attendance will include Rebekah Friend, the first woman head of the Arizona AFL-CIO, along with Flagstaff teachers and other community members.

“The loudest voices in the healthcare debate have been the insurance companies, the drug companies and the hospitals. We need to make our voices heard as frontline caregivers so that our patients and our communities get the care they deserve,” said Diane Baker, RN at Flagstaff Medical Center.

Rebekah Friend, Executive Director of the Arizona AFL-CIO added, "The FMC RNs’ situation provides a good example of how the secret ballot election has long been hijacked by employers to their advantage. Hospitals and other employers can intimidate and misinform the voters for weeks before the election. This is why we need The Employee Free Choice Act."

Nurses and healthcare workers respectively want to negotiate a contract addressing safe patient care policies, and salaries and benefits that allow the recruiting and retention of the most qualified nurses & healthcare workers.