The hospital’s 850 nurses are voting to join the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United. Issues behind the organization push include inadequate staffing and lack of respect for nurses’ opinions when it comes to patient care, according to a union news release.
The hospital, which is part of Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health, has not been organized since it opened in 1970, according to a Sacramento Business Journal report.
Hospital officials emphasized the two groups can solve their issues without a union. “I firmly believe we can continue to accomplish our goals without the involvement of an outside third party,” CEO Daryn Kumar told the Sacramento Business Journal. “Memorial Medical Center has a long history of providing a respectful and rewarding work environment, opportunities for growth and a competitive benefits package for all our employees.”
The NLRB now will set a date for the federally supervised secret-ballot election.
In 2013, National Nurses United won 100 percent of its representation elections.
More Articles on Hospitals and Unions:
Kaiser Pharmacists Postpone Strike, Continue Negotiations
Healthcare Strikes 2007-2013: A Breakdown
How 4 Powerful Unions Left Their Imprint in Healthcare Last Year
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
