Important News for Nurses at Catholic Hospitals
Bishops Announce an Agreement on the Rights of Healthcare Workers
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the AFL-CIO announced a historic agreement on a set of principles respecting the rights of nurses and other employees who want to unionize at Catholic health care facilities.
In a new report, Respecting the Just Rights of Workers: Guidance and Options for Healthcare and Unions, Bishops call on Catholic health care employers to assure that employees have a free and fair choice when organizing a union. An excerpt from the report states:
“We share a commitment to a core principle of Catholic Social Teaching that workers have the right to decide through a fair process – free of coercion and based on accurate and truthful information – whether and by whom to be represented in the workplace.”
The Bishops also recommend principles for appropriate conduct for both the employer and the union to ensure employees are able to make an informed decision without pressure from either side.
These seven principles are guidelines to be used during an organizing campaign.
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Respect – no negative campaigning
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Equal access to Information
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Truthful and Balanced Communications
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No harassment, threats or intimidation
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A fair and quick process
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An enforceable ‘local agreement’ to be set between the employer and union at the beginning of an organizing campaign
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Honoring the employee’s decision
If you have any questions or would like a copy of the report, please contact local staff Cindy Loudin at 773-410-3089 or email cloudin@calnurses.org
CONTACT US:
National Nurses Organizing Committee/
National Nurses United
6309 Evanston
Raytown, MO
Tel: 773-410-3089
www.calnurses.org/nnoc/missouri
