REPORT: October/November 2006

Convention “Labor Day” encourages solidarity

by Mark Genovese

The second “Labor Day” at NYSNA’s annual Convention featured meetings of the Delegate Assembly and the Congress of Bargaining Unit Leaders (the Congress), as well as a brunch to honor award winners and retirees. But just as important, “Labor Day” gave NYSNA members represented for collective bargaining an opportunity to network and build relationships.

Delegate Assembly and Congress renew labor’s spirit

NYSNA’s Delegate Assembly and Congress of Bargaining unit Leaders met during Convention to discuss recent assaults upon organized nursing by the federal and state governments, hospital administrators, and union busters.

Arlene Leyba, a first-time attendee from HHC Home Health Care in Queens, issued the clarion call during the morning Congress that would be echoed throughout the day: “Where’s the fire?”

Leyba said nurses need to make their voices heard to prevent anti-union activity from silencing nurses. Her spirited words encouraged other NYSNA members to take the microphone and ask the leadership what they could do to demonstrate a collective strength.

The business of the day included a presentation by Susan Bianchi-Sand, national executive director of the United American Nurses (UAN) and Marva Wade, a UAN board member. The two discussed the state of UAN, the upcoming vote on the dues pass-though, and the increased organizing efforts by UAN in the Northeast and Midwest.
Anne Parrish, senior associate director of NYSNA’s Economic and General Welfare program, was honored at her last convention prior to her retirement in January 2007.

Mel Horton offers inspiration

“Unions play an extremely important role in our workplace and our society as a whole,” said Mel Horton, a nationally recognized labor educator and training consultant. Horton noted that labor unions have improved working conditions for all workers. Even those who are not directly represented benefit because the presence of a union in an industry forces employers to meet union standards. Horton noted that demand for a union is high among non-organized workers, and a majority of American workers still support the concept of organized labor. For members, labor unions are a true exercise in democracy “because unions give a voice to members of working families. Unions, at their best, stand for all that’s good about America.”