L.A. Labor Federation’s 3rd Delegate Congress Promotes Solidarity, Pledges to Support Organizing

February 3, 2010



Almost 1,000 union workers, including UNAC/UHCP members, attended the Los Angeles County Labor Federation’s 3rd Delegates Congress on Tuesday, February 2.  Key legislators also present included Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, U. S. Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and California Attorney General Jerry Brown.

UNAC/UHCP members from across our affiliates participated in the day’s events at the L.A. Convention Center, which addressed jobs, education, transportation, the California budget crisis, term limits and immigration, focusing on how those issues impact the labor movement.  Attendees listened to the struggles of several of our union brothers and sisters – from car wash workers to communication workers – who are fighting to unionize and have a voice in their workplaces. In a strong show of solidarity with the car wash workers, unions pledged money to support their organizing efforts.  The L. A. Labor Fed will match member union pledges up to $25,000.  Barbara Blake, state secretary of UNAC/UHCP, pledged $500 pending Executive Board approval in support of the car wash workers’ campaign.

“It is vital that we support the struggles of our brothers and sisters who are seeking union representation,” stated Barbara Blake.

Several groups spoke against cutting of state services, from cuts to fire departments to in-home supportive services. The healthcare-related cuts in the Governor’s proposed budget include cutting: $37.5 million from In-home Supportive Services; $172.6 million from Healthy Families; $120 million from County administration of Medi-Cal; $52.1 million from HIV/AIDS programs; $25 million from Community Clinics; $5 billion from Health and Social Services; $3 million from Black Infant Death programs; and $4 million from Caregiver Resource Centers.

Fountain Valley Negotiations Continue

January 29, 2010


The Fountain Valley Professional Association Negotiating Team continues to work diligently toward developing a new contract.

Click here to view the newest Issue of the FVPA Bargaining for You newsletter.

Town Halls Generate Participation, Excitement from UNAC/UHCP Members

January 27, 2010


UNAC/UHCP took the lead in organizing AFSCME California’s “Meet the Candidates Town Hall Meeting” held on Saturday, January 23rd in Los Angeles. The town hall meeting was an
all-day standing room only event designed to give union members an opportunity to voice their political and legislative concerns directly to the candidates running for the offices of Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Superintendent of Public Instruction and Insurance Commissioner.

Our members made sure that UNAC/UHCP was heard loud and clear on health care reform, proposed changes to the Board of Registered Nursing, the California budget crisis, and other issues affecting our ability to provide the highest quality of patient care. UNAC/UHCP members got involved because we understand that decisions made in Sacramento and Washington D.C. impact our lives at home and at our facilities. By getting involved, our members helped each of the candidates understand the issues we face as Health Care Professionals.




AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka visits Southern California

January 25, 2010


UNAC/UHCP Staff Representative Sandy Oleson, RN, with
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka at a recent San Diego
and Imperial Counties Central Labor Council event.


UNAC/UHCP Donates $15,000 For Haiti Relief

January 19, 2010

Since 2000, UNAC/UHCP has donated $10,000 during Nurses Week to a charitable organization selected by an UNAC/UHCP affiliate on a rotating basis.  In light of the terrible tragedy that struck Haiti last week, UNAC/UHCP has increased the annual Nurses Week donation to $15,000 and has donated it to Doctors Without Borders to support their Haiti relief operation.  Prior to the earthquake, Doctors Without Borders had provided staff to two hospitals in Haiti -- both of which were destroyed in the massive earthquake.  Over this past weekend, Doctors Without Borders airlifted in a field hospital with two operating rooms, and is committed to staying in Haiti for the long term.  If you would like to donate to Doctors Without Borders to sustain its Haiti relief efforts, click here.




UNAC/UHCP's January/February issue of The VOICE is now available for download.

January 5, 2010

Download your copy today by clicking here.


January/February 2010

 

Find out about our union’s past and future in
a wide-ranging interview with Kathy Sackman.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals represents more than 15,000 nurses and other health care professionals. UNAC/UHCP, as the association is known, is affiliated with the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO.

We are a family of health care workers, professionals, neighbors, and friends. Our members work, think, become involved, and play together to benefit themselves and to benefit our profession and our communities.

Since forming in 1972, UNAC/UHCP has grown into a mature and highly respected professional union that is a powerful force for RNs and Medical Professionals. Over last three decades, UNAC/UHCP has survived, thrived, and grown because of the commitment and involvement of our members. Member participation was, and continues to be, the strength of UNAC/UHCP!

Our accomplishments have not only helped our UNAC/ UHCP members. We have set the pace for improvements given to non-union Registered Nurses and Medical Professionals. We are proud of the positive impact we have had on their lives.

—KATHY SACKMAN



Check out United Nurses of America,
AFSCME’s national voice for nurses