The George Washington University Hospital Nurses Union
Assignment Despite Objection
For Nurses:
Have you ever objected to an assignment because you felt it was unsafe for you or unsafe for your patients? Fill out this form. You can also download the form here.
Why a Union,
Why Now
Patient Safety
GWUH is facing a nursing shortage with high nurse-patient ratios. This is an issue of safety. Our patients deserve better.
OUR UNION, OUR VOICE
"The best part of GW is the people. A union of all of us will better protect our safety and that of our patients.
- Amy
Patient Safety
When we have too many patients, we can't provide the quality of care our patients deserve. Over the past few years, nurses at GW have gone from one nurse caring for three to four patients at a time, to five or even six. Charge nurses - the floor leaders and critical emergency resources - regularly take on patient assignments to fill in gaps. This is an issue of patient safety.
Nurses have tried in many ways to directly bring up this problem and other safety issues to management before. It is time that safety becomes the central priority - our patients deserve nothing less.
Retention
We have seen too many of our nurses leave, discouraged by the unchanging conditions at GWUH. Safer ratios and higher wages are key to retaining our nurses. The hospital has invested in short term contracts and travel nurses rather than prioritize the retention our full time staff, who know and love this hospital. Unionized workers are more likely to have employer-provided benefits that lead to employee satisfaction and retention.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unionized workers earn 10.2% more than non-unionized workers. Unionized nurses in NYC just won a 19% raise over three years.
Voice
Unionized nurses in New York, Minnesota, and California have won enforceable staff-to-patient ratios, leading to higher job satisfaction for nurses and safer conditions for patients. Unionizing creates a voice in the workplace without fear of retaliation from management.
This is not our first recourse in response to the crisis of staffing at GW. Unfortunately, management has not been responsive to years of good-faith efforts to raise the alarm about unsafe staffing. By coming together in a union, we can INSIST on the respect, consideration, and resources our nurses deserve.
Get Involved
REPORT UNFAIR PRACTICE
We have rights protected by the National Labor Relations Act (NRLA). Any encounter with management that does not follow the NRLA guidelines should be reported.
You Have the Right To:
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Organize a union
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Participate in union-organizing efforts
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Form, join, or assist a union
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Bargain collectively through representatives for a contract
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Take action, like voting, spreading the word, or gathering during non-work hours
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Volunteer for union efforts during non-work hours
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Choose not to join a union
It is Illegal for Management To:
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Fire, demote, or transfer you because of your union activity
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Remove informational posters about unions from staff common spaces
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Question you about your union activity
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Promise pay increases or benefits in exchange for voting against the union
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Threaten punishments for voting in favor of the union
All submissions are confidential but will be shared with our lawyers at DCNA so they can determine if action can be taken. We take all reports and your confidentiality very seriously.