Recently members of NAGE R3-19 were called on to support health care workers in Baltimore fight for free and fair union elections. On June 24, 2010, about 10 members of NAGE R3-19 came out to join more than 800 brothers and sisters at a rally in downtown Baltimore. NAGE members were lending their voices in the fight for free and fair union elections. It was exciting and encouraging from start to finish. First, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake spoke to the fact that 1 in 5 workers in Baltimore is a health care worker. She continued on; “free and fair union formation in this industry will raise the standard of living and economic outlook for Baltimore.” This sentiment was repeated over and over as workers from Sinai, University of Maryland Medical System, Johns Hopkins, and other local hospitals told their personal stories of struggles to care for patients in the midst of the fight for a living wage. It was very encouraging to see the diversity of those at the rally demanding free and fair elections. Delegates and representatives lent their voices to the cause. Families of health care providers came to support this cause. SEIU brothers and sisters from NY, NJ, and Washington were present. Church leaders spoke supporting the healthcare workers fight. Finally, activist and actor Danny Glover addressed the crowd in support of the cause. It was so encouraging to see the unity and know that our struggle is also the struggle of many in Baltimore and around the country. For many years workers have been intimidated and harassed by the boss to prevent formation of the union and now it seemed like the tide was turning. NAGE R3-19 is proud to stand in solidarity with such good company in support of this important issue. NAGE members attending the rally know the importance of supporting the struggle which will lead to better care of patients by caring for those who care for them.
You may ask yourself why is it important for me to support workers at a nursing home or extended care facility when I work in an acute care setting? Unions are about unity and the belief that there is strength in numbers. The slogan “an injury to one is an injury to all” is often used but the opposite is true as well! If we improve the working conditions and wages for anyone in the Health care field through our unionized efforts and support it translates to better working conditions to all -- To learn more about what YOU can do or what YOUR involvement means to this cause contact the local NAGE office.