NEW YORK NURSE: February 2008
by Linda O'Brien, MS, RN
Disaffiliating from the United American Nurses was a difficult decision that was made after months of seeking the opinions of our members and searching for ways to reform the national nurses’ union from within.
Coincidentally, I was serving on the Board of Directors in 1999 when the UAN was established and NYSNA became one of its first affiliates. I remember that, at the time, there was great hope that the new union would strengthen the voice of organized nurses throughout the nation. Unfortunately, that hope was not realized.
The UAN’s plan to ally with SEIU was only the most recent example of a national union that was out of touch with its own affiliates. Especially in recent years, the UAN often was unresponsive to NYSNA and other state affiliates’ requests for information. NYSNA and other states made repeated attempts to discuss these issues with the UAN leadership, without success.
Thus, the Board of Director’s decision to leave the UAN was based on a number of factors, including the support of a majority of the members of the Delegate Assembly. It is encouraging that members of the DA and the Congress of Bargaining Unit Leaders have continued to be supportive since the disaffiliation was announced.
Some members are concerned, however, about the status of NYSNA’s ties with the American Nurses Association and the national AFL-CIO. We plan to continue to be a strong voice on the national stage and are exploring ways to continue our relationships with these national organizations. Although NYSNA technically is in violation of an ANA requirement that all states with collective bargaining programs belong to the UAN, the ANA has announced that it will not renew its affiliation agreement with the UAN when it expires on June 30, 2008.
There also is concern that our bargaining units could be raided by other unions. This is unlikely, but, as always, our best defense against raids is our excellent service to our members and the outstanding benefits provided in our contracts. Disaffiliation from the UAN will have no effect whatsoever on the services NYSNA provides its members.
I understand that there is room for disagreement over any decision. When we disagree, I hope that we will treat each other with respect and tolerance. But as we move beyond the disaffiliation debate, which has preoccupied us for nearly a year, we should also recognize this moment as an opportunity to embrace our common mission. In the coming months, you will see a shorthand version of this mission included in all our publications: “Advocating for patients. Advancing the profession.” These are principles we all can support.
An inspirational book was given to me on the day I became president of NYSNA. One page contained this simple thought: “Dare to be remarkable.” It takes courage to step off the well-beaten path and try to achieve great things for nurses and patients. I hope you will join me in that adventure.