May June 2012 Ken Deitz, RN President

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May June 2012 Ken Deitz, RN President Barbara Blake, RN State Secretary/Treasurer IN THIS ISSUE Happy Nurses Week Sandy Oleson, RN Receives Award UNAC/UHCP Meets HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

org President s Message UNAC/UHCP members are on a winning streak: Kaiser national bargaining; a first contract at Beverly Hospital; a court decision that puts Chino RNs at the bargaining table.

How are we racking up the wins? The old fashioned way: solidarity and collective action. When we show up, stand up and speak up, we re unbeatable.

Beverly RNs took collective action in the halls of their hospital and the streets outside, backed by fellow UNAC/UHCP members, other labor unions, and supportive political and community leaders.

1 May June 2012 Ken Deitz, RN President Barbara Blake, RN State Secretary/Treasurer IN THIS ISSUE Happy Nurses Week Sandy Oleson, RN Receives Award UNAC/UHCP Meets HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Beverly Nurses Win First Contract UNAC/UHCP Nurses Stand Up to Protect Benefits Legislative Update Everyday Leader Union in Brief unacuhcp.org President s Message UNAC/UHCP members are on a winning streak: Kaiser national bargaining; a first contract at Beverly Hospital; a court decision that puts Chino RNs at the bargaining table. But we can t rest. We must beat back the Corporate Power Grab on the November ballot; win that first contract for Chino RNs; and get strong contracts in all our upcoming negotiations. How are we racking up the wins? The old fashioned way: solidarity and collective action. When we show up, stand up and speak up, we re unbeatable. Over 1,500 members attended Kaiser bargaining on their own time a tsunami of blue that swept management s plans to freeze our pensions and cut our benefits right off the bargaining table. Beverly RNs took collective action in the halls of their hospital and the streets outside, backed by fellow UNAC/UHCP members, other labor unions, and supportive political and community leaders. In the best tradition of trade-unionism, when we support each other, we support ourselves. It s how we win. And management knows it. That s why corporate interests and wealthy donors are trying to cut us off at the knees and silence our political voice with an initiative on the November ballot, disguised as reform, which we re calling the Corporate Power Grab. This is another fight we must win. To hold onto and strengthen safe staffing; keep our home addresses off the internet; and elect political leaders who will stand with us on our issues and in our contract fights, we must get active. Host or attend a home phone bank to call voters. Walk a precinct to tell your neighbors about the candidates we support. Make sure all our union brothers and sisters know the truth about the Corporate Power Grab. We can win it the old-fashioned way. The win in Kaiser bargaining isn t complete until members vote. Our KP affiliate officers approved the agreement at a CKPU Delegates Conference May 19. Next we ll hold all-day meetings across the region from June 27 to July 18, where members can hear the details and discuss it before they vote. All members will be notified of the outcome. In unity, United Nurses Associations of California Union of Health Care Professionals

Happy Nurses Week ek!! UNAC/UHCP marked Nurses Week through many different celebrations throughout Southern California.

Negotiations Parkview RNs Ratified Their Second Contract Garden Grove RNs Gained New Contract With Raises Strike Averted, St.

our own Sandy Oleson received the Outstanding Labor Volunteer of the Year award from the San Diego / Imperial Counties Central Labor Council. UNAC/UHCP was also recognized as labor union of the year.

She traces her involvement in the San Diego Labor Council back to her time as an affiliate officer at Kaiser San Diego, when then UNAC President Kathy Sackman told affiliate leaders to On February

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and her senior advisors about health care reform.

It seemed the thing to do, Sandy said. And I enjoyed it. What Sandy intuited from Kathy s advice was giving back to the community is part of being a caregiver.

2 Happy Nurses Week ek!! UNAC/UHCP marked Nurses Week through many different celebrations throughout Southern California. Since we celebrated Nurses Week in 2011, UNAC/UHCP Registered Nurses have: SPNN Nurses Achieved a New Contract With Strong Break Protections Bear Valley RNs Ratified a Contract After Protracted Negotiations Parkview RNs Ratified Their Second Contract Garden Grove RNs Gained New Contract With Raises Strike Averted, St. Francis Registered Nurses Won a Groundbreaking New Contract After a Hard Fought Battle, Beverly Nurses Won Their First Contract Sandy Oleson, RN, Honored at San Diego/Imperial Counties On March 17, our own Sandy Oleson received the Outstanding Labor Volunteer of the Year award from the San Diego / Imperial Counties Central Labor Council. UNAC/UHCP was also recognized as labor union of the year. What you do comes back to you tenfold, Sandy told us. She traces her involvement in the San Diego Labor Council back to her time as an affiliate officer at Kaiser San Diego, when then UNAC President Kathy Sackman told affiliate leaders to On February 27, UNAC/UHCP member-activist Marcia Schlesinger, NP, UNAC/UHCP President Ken Deitz, RN and UNAC/UHCP State Secretary/ Treasurer Barbara Blake, RN had the extraordinary opportunity to speak with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and her senior advisors about health care reform. They took part in an AFSCME Nurses Advisory Committee meeting coordinated to ensure nurses were Central Labor Council Annual Awards Dinner get involved with their local labor councils. It seemed the thing to do, Sandy said. And I enjoyed it. What Sandy intuited from Kathy s advice was giving back to the community is part of being a caregiver. While Sandy took part in numerous food drives in the Imperial County, holiday toy and food distributions, the letter carriers food drive, and political activity such as precinct walking, phone banking, and rallies, what meant the most to her was walking the picket line with other workers. able to give their input in the process. I was very impressed by Secretary Sebelius and her top advisors. We have really very bright and thoughtful experts dealing with this issue. This meeting reinforced my conviction we re on the right path, said Marcia after the meeting. Marcia noted Sebelius seemed to have a keen appreciation for a patient-centered model of care Nurses have so much. We were in solidarity on the picket line for people walking for $7 or $8 an hour in wages. We needed to be there. We are so blessed as nurses, she told us. For Sandy, as a nurse, it came down to taking care of others beyond the bedside. She strongly encourages nurses and other health care professionals to get involved in their communities, and to make their voices heard in the issues that impact their lives. Congratulations to Sandy for the so richly deserved award! UNAC/UHCP Meets with HHS Secretary Sebelius provided by a multitude of team members, not just the physician. She sees an increase in utilization of nurses and advance practice providers NPs, PAs, CNMs delivering care. Sebelius closed the meeting by recruiting nurses to share their ideas and concerns about the Affordable Care Act. She reinforced her message that nurses need to be involved in these discussions and decisions.

After a Hard Fought Battle, Beverly Nurses Win their First Contract Registered Nurses at Beverly Hospital ratified their first contract on May 2, 2012, winning protections for patient safety after a

We never gave up on protecting our patients and community. Now we have a contract that guarantees Beverly nurses a strong voice in patient care and improving our hospital.

Negotiations with Beverly Hospital management for a first contract began on May 5, 2011.

including unlawful refusals to provide information needed for bargaining and other delaying tactics.

damage in ICU, Telemetry and Maternal/Child units, and flooding. Beverly nurses persisted in fighting for a contract that would improve their hospital.

Coalitions of community, elected and labor leaders made frequent visits to the hospital to call for management to negotiate fairly with nurses for the good of the community.

Over 1,500 Stand Up to Protect Their Benefits as Kaiser Negotiations Conclude More than 1,500 members attended the nine days of bargaining sessions in Southern California.

3 After a Hard Fought Battle, Beverly Nurses Win their First Contract Registered Nurses at Beverly Hospital ratified their first contract on May 2, 2012, winning protections for patient safety after a year of difficult bargaining that included a federal government decision to prosecute the employer for unlawful negotiation tactics. We worked long and hard to see this day, said Susan Justin, RN. We never gave up on protecting our patients and community. Now we have a contract that guarantees Beverly nurses a strong voice in patient care and improving our hospital. Beverly nurses voted in February, 2011 to join United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/ UHCP). Negotiations with Beverly Hospital management for a first contract began on May 5, In March 2012, the National Labor Relations Board s local regional office determined after a thorough investigation that it would prosecute Beverly Hospital for engaging in bad faith bargaining, including unlawful refusals to provide information needed for bargaining and other delaying tactics. During negotiations the hospital also came under investigation by Cal-OSHA, following reports of a malfunctioning Code Blue system in Intensive Care, malfunctioning electrical outlets, mold and water damage in ICU, Telemetry and Maternal/Child units, and flooding. Beverly nurses persisted in fighting for a contract that would improve their hospital. They held a rally, a candlelight vigil, and a community and online petition drive to win support. Coalitions of community, elected and labor leaders made frequent visits to the hospital to call for management to negotiate fairly with nurses for the good of the community. We re pleased that our hard work has paid off in a contract that will protect Beverly Nurses in their role as patient advocates, said Ken Deitz, UNAC/UHCP President. Over 1,500 Stand Up to Protect Their Benefits as Kaiser Negotiations Conclude More than 1,500 members attended the nine days of bargaining sessions in Southern California. Members attended sessions, asked questions, and made their voices heard. The overwhelming number of UNAC/ UHCP members was called a sea of blue and showed Kaiser management we meant business. Each and every one of us standing together can make a difference! Korla St. Cyr, RN Baldwin Park Infusion Center On May 11 in the early morning, a tentative agreement was signed. On May 19, UNAC/UHCP affiliate officers and delegates from coalition unions met to unanimously recommend members approve the contract. This victory was only possible through the hard work of UNAC/UHCP members! WE DID IT! During April, hundreds of UNAC/ UHCP members across Southern California participated in actions to protest any reductions in benefits. Members from all Kaiser Southern California campuses wore IMAGINE OUR FUTURE buttons. Check out the photos of the events at our website, unacuhcp.org

4 Legislative Update UNAC/UHCP Introduces Safe Staffing Bill UNAC/UHCP Nurses fought for our state s landmark Safe Staffing Law. During Nurses Week, State Secretary/ Treasurer Barbara Blake, RN, writing in the North County Times, called for passage of Senate Bill UNAC/UHCP is again stepping up to advocate for our patients. To shore up our Safe Staffing law, we ve sponsored Senate Bill 1246, authored by California State Senator Ed Hernandez, a doctor of optometry. In addition to safe nurse-to-patient ratios, California law requires every acute care hospital, acute psychiatric hospital and special hospital in the state to maintain a patient classification system, to be reviewed and updated annually by a committee made up of at least half Registered Nurses who provide direct patient care. Our bill would require the California Department of Public Health to verify that hospitals maintain safe staffing ratios, review and update their patient classifications systems yearly and give the department the ability to levy substantial fines for violations. UNAC/UHCP will be fighting for our bill to become law, and will keep you informed about how you can help. Convention Nominations for Secretary/Treasurer and Three Board of Director Seats During this year s convention on October 22-24, an election will be held for Secretary/Treasurer, and three Board of Director seats. Nominations for Secretary/Treasurer are now open, and will remain open until the close of the business session on Monday, October 22. Currently holding the position is Barbara Blake, RN. The Secretary/Treasurer serves a four-year term, and will automatically serve as a delegate to the NUHHCE and AFSCME conventions. The State Constitution, Section 606, specifies the requirements for election to a State office: the person must be a member in good standing for at least two years immediately preceding the election; have practiced the profession of nursing for at least three years, or is a professional employee as defined in Section 301, provided that such a person has practiced as a professional employee for at least three years; and has been a member of an affiliate for at least two years. Nominations for the three Board of Directors seats are now open. Board of Directors seats are four-year terms. The three available seats are currently held by: Asela T. Omilig-Espiritu, RN, Cindy Klein, RN, and Pam Brodersen, NP. Members may send nominations to the Convention Nominations Committee, in care of State Secretary/ Treasurer Barbara Blake, RN. Nominations may be submitted by mail: 955 Overland Court, Suite 150, San Dimas, CA 91773; by fax: ; or by Barbara@unacca.org. Nominations must include the member s full name and title. A brief background is recommended (please type instead of handwriting). Propose a Constitutional Amendment Constitutional amendments must be submitted by July 20, Article XIV explains how: Section 1401 Proposed Amendments to the UNAC/UHCP Constitution may be submitted to the State Convention by request of the Executive Council, the Board of Directors, Resolutions Committee, or an Affiliate. All Amendments introduced by an Affiliate shall bear the signatures of at least two elected officers of the Affiliate certifying that the Amendment was approved for submission to the Convention by the policy making body or membership of the Affiliate. Section 1402 Proposed Amendments to the UNAC/UHCP Constitution may be submitted to the State Convention by a signed petition of 25% of the members of any Affiliate in good standing. Section 1403 If a proposed Amendment is to be submitted to the State Convention, it must reach the office of the State Secretary at least 90 days prior to the convening of the Convention and must be sent by the State Secretary to the Affiliates at least 60 days before the Convention. AFSCME Convention Delegates have been selected and are as follows: Delegates Suzanne Delaney, RN UNAC/UHCP Michael Zackos, RN UNAC/UHCP Pamela Brodersen, NP KDRNA Thor Causing UNAC/UHCP Delima MacDonald, RN Member at Large John Tim Uliasz, RN KSDHCPA Gerardo Bajamundi, RN UNAC/UHCP Jettie Deden-Castillo, NP KDRNA Asela Omilig-Espiritu, RN KOCPA Jess Mangubat, RN KSRNA Valentina Zamora Arreola, RN KOVHCPA John Currie, RN, MSN PMRNA Pamela Pressney, RN KSDHCPA Alternates Cynthia Turner, RN KSDHCPA Elvia Guerrero, RN KFRNA

5 Krissy Stassin, RN KAISER RIVERSIDE Unit: RN: UNAC/UHCP Member: Hometown: Cardiology 8 Years 6 Years Moreno Valley UNAC/UHCP is a much stronger union than the one I belonged to before I came to Kaiser. I know that if anything happens, I have someone to stand behind me. I attended Kaiser national bargaining in April. The union really listened to the opinions of union members in the caucuses. I would encourage other UNAC/UHCP members to attend negotiations when their own contracts are being negotiated. It was always my goal to get into Kaiser, and after being here six years I thought it would be my last stop. Kaiser was always a superior place to work. They attracted good people who stayed a long time. Having such a good workforce made them a great healthcare provider. I m a social person and that s part of what makes being a nurse so rewarding that caring aspect and the personal connection in a job where you can be financially stable. Regardless of the economy there will always be a need for nurses because no one can do what nurses can do with that personal touch. I got active from just going to general union meetings where I heard about how Kaiser might try to cut our benefits. I ve been to all the Steward trainings this year, and they re very beneficial. I want to know as much as I can firsthand, and I want to spread the information around. UNAC/UHCP is a much stronger union than the one I belonged to before I came to Kaiser. I know that if anything happens, I have someone to stand behind me. I also appreciate how well the union communicates coming around to the departments, as well as keeping us informed by and robo calls. Our union is solid and strong, especially when we re really fighting to save our retirement. We just want to keep what we ve earned. If we can do that, Kaiser can keep us as employees, and then everyone will be happy. GET THE LATEST NEWS In the last year, UNAC/UHCP has ed out critical information to members about contract negotiations, license notices, and health care benefits. Don t be left out because we don t have your address. Send us your address at publicaffairs@unac-ca.org along with your name and your affiliate.

6 United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals 955 Overland Court, Ste 150 San Dimas, CA Camino de la Siesta, Suite 306 San Diego, CA Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No Chino, California Union in Brief SCNSC AND MIDWIVES NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE Economic issues are expected to take center stage when both groups return to the table in May and June in efforts to negotiate a first contract. REMINDER: AFSCME CONVENTION The International AFSCME Convention will be June 18-22, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This is an opportunity to see what our international union will do for the next two years. Anyone may attend the convention as an observer. POTENTIAL LICENSE DENIAL OR SUSPENSION FOR FAILURE TO PAY TAXES Effective July 1, 2012, the Board of Registered Nursing is required to deny an application for licensure and to suspend the license/certificate/ registration of any applicant or licensee who has outstanding tax obligations due to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) or the State Board of Equalization (BOE) and appears on either the FTB or BOE s certified lists of top 500 tax delinquencies over $100,000. (AB 1424, Perea, Chapter 455, Statutes of 2011) VICTORY! FVPA WINS ARBITRATION In January 2011, Fountain Valley Professional Association filed a grievance against Fountain Valley Regional Medical Center on behalf of 23 RNs who were involuntarily and without notice stripped of their Clinician II status, resulting in a 5% reduction in pay. The grievance process led to arbitration which FVPA won on May 3, The arbitrator ruled FVRMC violated the collective bargaining agreement, and ordered FVRMC to retroactively pay the effected RNs the 5% they lost in 2011 because of the contract violation. COURT RULES CHINO VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER MUST NEGOTI- ATE WITH NURSES Bargaining will begin in June for the Chino RNs after the United States Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. ruled that Chino Valley Medical Center must negotiate with Chino RNs for a first contract covering wages, hours and working conditions. The nurses at CVMC voted to join the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals in April With this decision the court reaffirmed that choice, which can no longer be challenged by CVMC. This is not the first legal victory for Chino RNs. In October, 2011 an administrative law judge found that CVMC had engaged in egregious widespread misconduct including threats, intimidation and retaliatory discipline against its own nurses for organizing their union. CVMC is owned by Prime Healthcare, Inc., which has also come under scrutiny by federal and state government agencies for its billing and other suspect practices.

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