2005 Resolution - 002

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SUBJECT: Nurse Unity

Introduced by: UAN Executive Council

Action: Passed 3/17/05

WHEREAS, the interests of the UANís members will be materially advanced by the Executive Council initiating discussions with other unions representing Registered Nurses in order to build a relationship of mutual cooperation that will advance the professional and economic interest of Registered Nurses throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, political and policy agendas over the years should serve to unite Registered Nurses, and thereby measurably advance the opportunity for success on projects of the utmost importance to the profession ñ healthcare reform, ratio requirements at the bedside, Registered Nurse retiree health insurance, social security protection and labor law reform; and

WHEREAS, a cooperative working relationship among the various organizations representing Registered Nurses will be a true victory over the corporate forces that have sought to perpetuate divisions within the profession against the background of union busting tactics that are prevalent in the healthcare industry; and

WHEREAS, opportunities to maximize cooperation and to minimize disputes among unions representing Registered Nurses should be explored without delay in a diligent and constructive manner; and

WHEREAS, the Executive Council believes that it is in our membersí best interests to continue to build and expand the UAN as a strong, unified Registered Nurse-run national union that promotes the professional and economic interests of our members through more effective representation, and to exert significant pressure in the policy arena;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the UAN Executive Council is authorized to pursue discussions with unions representing Registered Nurses, taking into account the following principles:

1. Discussions with unions representing Registered Nurses to explore or negotiate affiliation or cooperative agreements will be conducted in a manner to assure coordination and consultation between the Executive Council, NLC and UAN Affiliate(s).

2. Discussions will be premised on maintaining and protecting existing UAN and UAN Affiliate bargaining units from raiding and other interference or incursion.

3. Discussions may explore joint organizing opportunities and other possibilities of working in partnership.

4. Discussions shall seek to facilitate an ongoing exchange of information between our organizations on a regular basis and pursue common strategies, where feasible, to promote the interests of our members.

5. Discussions shall respect the autonomy and individual rights of each organization consistent with its respective constitution or bylaws.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in the event that a significant restructuring of the AFL-CIO occurs that will likely effect the operations of the UAN and UAN Affiliates, the Executive Council be directed to call for a reconvened NLA to determine UANís continued affiliation with the newly constituted AFL-CIO, as well as other strategic alliances with unions who represent Registered Nurses.