Facts About Union Organizing

Unions often mislead nurses; remember, their promises are not guarantees. Be cautious and don’t let the union deceive you.

We have heard from many nurses who say they are done with NNU’s ongoing organizing activity.

Done with divisive behavior.

Done with misleading claims.

Done with repeated, unwanted pressure on associates.

If this does not reflect what you want for your workplace, you have the power to make it stop.

If You Are Not Interested

• Say “no” to union organizers
• Do not sign an authorization card
• If you have already signed and feel misled or have changed your mind, you can ask for your card back

We will continue to foster a culture of mutual respect. We recognize that people may disagree, and we expect those conversations to remain professional and respectful. We will always stand up for individual rights, regardless of a person’s position on unions.

NNU often makes promises it cannot guarantee.

Union promises may sound appealing, but what is the reality?

Just look at what is happening at hospitals in our area. NNU nurses at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore and George Washington University Hospital have seen little to no progress on union contract negotiations for more than two years. There have been no wage increases, no meaningful improvements to benefits, and continued uncertainty.

We are focused on working directly with you, supporting you, improving your work experience and the quality of care we provide to our patients.

Unions often make big promises they cannot keep. Under federal law, unions may make statements that are misleading or false to gain support.

NNU has been contacting our associates and making commitments they simply cannot guarantee. In several cases, they are promising outcomes that can only be determined through collective bargaining, a process where nothing is automatic, and both sides must agree to any change in wages, benefits, or working conditions. These assurances may sound appealing, but they are not promises a union can deliver on its own, nor are they guaranteed to appear in a final contract.

Do not let the union mislead you into supporting it.

Before you’re asked to invest your money or your trust, you deserve to know whether the union you’re paying is actually delivering value or simply collecting dues.

Who Speaks for You?

If you were unionized, you would give up the right to speak directly with your leader about work, pay, benefits, and other terms of employment.

Even if you have a good relationship with your leader, a third party can complicate the resolution of issues.

A union contract addresses the collective needs of the group, not individual concerns. This one-size-fits-all approach might restrict matters that are important or specific to you.

Nothing is Guaranteed

Union organizers and supporters say many things to gain your support, but the union is not legally obligated to fulfill any of the promises it makes.

Any changes to pay, benefits, or working conditions must be negotiated between the union and the employer.

While either side can propose changes, there’s no requirement for the other side to agree, and neither party can demand certain terms during collective bargaining.

Dues and Fees are Mandatory

If you were part of a union, you’d need to pay dues or fees to the union, which are often taken out of your paycheck after taxes.

And unions can raise these dues or fees at any time.

Just like the NNU contract at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, the union could force MedStar Health to terminate your employment if you refuse to pay the union when they come to collect part of your paycheck.