2001 Resolution - 003

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SUBJECT: Strikebreaking
Introduced by: UAN Executive Council
Date of Resolution: May 24, 2001
Action: Resolution adopted on June 27, 2001

WHEREAS, The United American Nurses affirms the right of registered nurses in collective bargaining to engage in duly authorized strikes in support of their professional practice and workplace concerns, and

WHEREAS, Hospital employers who hire strikebreakers, companies that supply strikebreakers, and nurses who cross picket lines as strikebreakers undermine the collective bargaining process, prolong the labor conflict and jeopardize the efforts of the striking nurses to effect positive change, and

WHEREAS, Nurse strikebreakers have no commitment to the patients at the struck facility or to the wider community it serves, and

WHEREAS, Nurse strikebreakers ply their trade simply for the money without regard to the best interests of patients, their nurse colleagues or the nursing profession, and

WHEREAS, Nurse strikebreakers work dangerously excessive hours often in unfamiliar, understaffed facilities with minimal orientation and in care settings in which they may have little or no experience, and

WHEREAS, The quality and safety of patient care delivered by nurse strikebreakers are often questionable,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the United American Nurses condemn the practice of strike-breaking and the behavior of hospital employers, companies and nurses who engage in it, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United American Nurses pledges to use all means that are lawful and consistent with the professional responsibilities of registered nurses to protest strikebreaking and expose its dangers to patients and nurses alike, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United American Nurses assist striking nurses according to the guidelines outlined in the (interim) UAN Strike Support Protocols.