2001 Resolution - 015

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SUBJECT: Barbara J. Sapin, JD
Introduced by: UAN Member or UAN Structural Unit
Date of Resolution: May 24, 2001
Action: Resolution adopted on June 28, 2001

WHEREAS, Barbara J. Sapin, JD served as ANA's Labor Counsel from 1990 - 1995 and as ANA General Counsel from 1995 to 2000, establishing and leading ANA's Office of General Counsel; and

WHEREAS, Barbara J. Sapin brought to ANA her substantial knowledge of labor law, having served in various capacities with the National Labor Relations Board before joining the ANA staff; and

WHEREAS, during her decade of service to ANA, Barbara J. Sapin served the nursing profession and the collective bargaining rights of registered nurses in an exemplary fashion, serving as legal and labor advisor to the ANA Institute of Collective Bargaining Programs and later to the Executive Council and staff of the UAN from its inception; and

WHEREAS, Barbara J. Sapin was instrumental in preparing the ANA bylaws changes that ushered in the creation of the UAN, bringing to this process both her unparalleled expertise in labor law and a keen understanding of the needs of nursing labor activists; and

WHEREAS, Barbara J. Sapin provided ANA and the UAN with expert legal advice and leadership in advancing and defending nurses' rights to collective bargaining; and

WHEREAS, this has included representation of nursing before the federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, and the National Labor Relations Board, addressing issues such as the all-RN bargaining unit, defending nurses' rights to collective bargaining in the face of attempts to classify them as "supervisors;" protecting nurses' rights to organize and seek representation; and

WHEREAS, Barbara J. Sapin's expertise has also benefitted nurses in the public sector, including those employed by the Veterans' Health Administration; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Sapin was highly sought after by the State Nurses Associations for her advice and expert knowledge, and

WHEREAS, Barbara J. Sapin is highly regarded in the national labor community for her expertise and record of accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Sapin worked diligently and for many long, long, LONG hours planning and preparing documents and background papers and using both her expert knowledge extensive labor contacts to help prepare the way for the UAN AFL-CIO charter discussions, and

WHEREAS, the long dreamed-of reality of nursing joining the House of Labor would not have happened without Barbara J. Sapin's expertise, skill and tireless dedication to nursing and labor;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the UAN National Labor Assembly recognize the outstanding and indispensable leadership and dedication of Barbara J. Sapin, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this recognition be communicated to her in writing and to the ANA House of Delegates, and to the membership through The American Nurse.