Garfield Hospital

December 2001

Though nurses have waged an ambitious campaign to get management to the table since Local 535 was certified as bargaining representative in mid-August, hospital administration continues to ignore the union’s request to begin negotiations on a first contract. Many local politicians have supported their efforts by participating in picket lines and making personal appeals to the hospital CEO, and hundreds of signatures have been gathered in support of the nurses. Last month, Garfield nurses authorized the union to hold a one-day unfair labor practices strike even though the hospital is threatening to lock out the nurses. “We want them to sit down with us and negotiate,” says Jim Moreau, Local 535 organizer.

The union has filed several unfair labor practice complaints against the hospital, including for illegal terminations for union activity, threatening to withhold scheduled pay increases, illegal surveillance of union activities, and interrogation of nurses regarding union activities. “Nurses are hanging in there and are anxious to take action,” adds Moreau. “They have waited long enough.”

Northridge Hospital

Registered nurses at Los Angeles Northridge Hospital recently voted for representation by Local 535. Earlier this year, SEIU and Catholic Healthcare West concluded a neutrality agreement under which CHW agreed not to hire union busters or run antiunion campaigns. Local 535 organizer Tanya Boone led the campaign to its successful conclusion. Boone was assisted by Maria Keegan and Tim Farrell from the 535 staff and member organizers, including Lanetta Fitzhugh, Bebs Nonato, and Leila Valdivia. Several staff from SEIU also assisted. A statewide contract campaign involving SEIU Locals 535, 399, and 250 has begun with CHW. Valerie Harragin, Keegan, and Northridge RNs are representing 535 in the campaign. The following RNs have been elected to the bargaining team: Elvira Citrowski, Ingela Dahlgren, Nenita Garcia, Rebecca Lefler, Linda Pickford, Linda Shapiro, Diane Schuh, and Audrey Tan.