Page One Archive
 November 2007 — Page One, Issue 11
KNOW THE FACTS BEFORE YOU VOTE
In recent weeks, the California Nurses Association (CNA) has issued several communications that are not accurate in their representations of UC’s proposals and our efforts to reach an agreement with the union. For clarity on the competitive wages and benefits UC is offering nurses and for information on UC’s many good faith efforts to reach an agreement with CNA, please review the archives section of this website.
The Confusion: Notice of upcoming membership vote is unclear
- On October 18, CNA issued a bargaining alert that said “strike votes” were being scheduled.
- On October 23, CNA issued another bargaining alert that said “contract rejection votes” were being scheduled.
The union has never informed UC what they are asking nurses to vote on. It is critical that all nurses know what they are being asked to vote on. It is possible that by voting against ratification now, you could be empowering CNA to call a strike at any time after the conclusion of factfinding without another vote.
An economic strike in advance of the completion of the entire bargaining process, including mediation and factfinding, is presumptively illegal. In 2005, CNA was barred from striking by court order. PERB also issued a complaint because of CNA's attempt to strike UC before bargaining was completed.
If UC nurses have any questions about what these votes mean, and which votes will and won’t be counted, they should seek immediate clarification from CNA before casting any votes.
The Facts: UC’s Efforts to Reach an Agreement
UC has held thirty-one bargaining sessions with CNA over the last six months, and has offered CNA numerous proposals, including concessions to CNA’s requests. The archives section on this website provides historical background on UC’s bargaining efforts.
On October 18, UC and CNA declared impasse and agreed to seek state-assisted mediation to help reach an agreement. That was the same date that the CNA issued an alert calling for “strike votes.”
The first mediation sessions will be held on November 5 and 6, 2007. As mediation is a confidential process, neither party will be able to communicate the details of mediation conversations to nurses nor the public while the mediation proceeds. UC is committed to this process because we are committed to securing a good contract for our nurses.
Please peruse the archives and important issues sections of this website for more information about UC’s offer and make sure you know the facts before you vote.
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