The Executive Board of SEIU 1991, led by President Vicki Gonzalez, RN, adopted a strategic plan that identified “staffing” as a major priority for the Local, as it is the number one issue for so many healthcare workers across this country.
A Staffing Committee was formed with frontline nurses and co-chaired by Caitlin MacLaren, RN, and Kathleen Fleming, RN. Our staffing bill was also sent to Tallahassee, unfortunately without passing.
The Staffing Committee enhanced the “staffing discrepancy form” and educated our teammates on the importance of reporting in real time and escalating all noncompliance with staffing ratios, including charge nurses without assignments as per our contract (Article XXXII Nurse Staffing Ratios).
This real time reporting and escalation has resulted in many victories.
The power of uniting in our Union makes all the difference!
Now is the time for all of us to collect data to further enhance our staffing ratios as we prepare for the staffing and COLA contract reopener this summer.
Safe staffing ratios benefit our nurses and all members and enable us to provide the best care for our patients.
If you want to get involved in the SEIU 1991 Staffing Committee, please e-mail the co-chairs, Caitlin MacLaren, RN, and Kathleen Fleming, RN, at union@seiu1991.org.