UNAC/UHCP Action Center
Tell Congress: Restore Our Rights

On Oct. 3, the National Labor Relations Board did what we feared it would but hoped it wouldn’t: This key federal panel gave employers broad power to strip some charge nurses of their rights to a voice on the job by reclassifying them as “supervisors.” Without union protections, nurses can be disciplined and even fired if they speak out on behalf of their patients.

By making it easier for employers to take away nurses’ union voice, the NLRB’s decision will put patients at risk and make the nursing shortage worse. 

We’re going to fight back against this unfair decision at the bargaining table, in the courts—and in Congress.

Let’s not fool ourselves: The anti-worker majority on the NLRB that perpetrated this decision was appointed by President Bush, who has been attacking workplace rights for six years. Often, he’s been aided by the anti-worker members of Congress. It’s time to call on our members of Congress to put a stop to this.

This election season, let’s ask our representatives to do whatever it takes to restore the rights of working people and health care professionals.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Restore our Rights

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As a health care professional and a union member, I am outraged that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has invited employers to rob working people of their freedom to be in unions just by reclassifying them as "supervisors" who do not have federal labor law protections.

The Bush administration has been sawing away at our workplace rights for six years--often with the help of congressional allies. This time it's gone too far. I urge you to take whatever steps are needed to restore our rights.

My union is extremely important to me. It is my voice to advocate for quality patient care. At election time, I support candidates who support my workplace rights, and the rights of my patients to get quality care. Do you support my rights and my patients? Your action on this matter will shape my vote in this and future elections.

I would appreciate hearing back from you about what you will do to restore the rights the NLRB is stealing from America's working people.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
October 10, 2006


Background Information

On Oct. 3, the National Labor Relations Board did what we feared it would but hoped it wouldn’t: This key federal panel gave employers broad power to strip some charge nurses of their rights to a voice on the job by reclassifying them as “supervisors.” Without union protections, nurses can be disciplined and even fired if they speak out on behalf of their patients.

By making it easier for employers to take away nurses’ union voice, the NLRB’s decision will put patients at risk and make the nursing shortage worse. Our union is our voice to advocate for quality patient care, both at the bedside and in the public policy arena.

We’re going to fight back against this unfair decision at the bargaining table, in the courts—and in Congress.

Let’s not fool ourselves: The anti-worker majority on the NLRB that perpetrated this decision was appointed by President Bush, who has been attacking workplace rights for six years. Often, he’s been aided by the anti-worker members of Congress. It’s time to call on our members of Congress to put a stop to this.

This election season, let’s ask our representatives to do whatever it takes to restore the rights of working people and health care professionals.