Patient safety & protections included
Registered Nurses at Beverly Hospital ratified their first contract including winning protections for patient safety after more than a year of difficult bargaining with their employer including a federal decision of unlawful negotiation tactics.
“We worked long and hard to see this day,” said Susan Justin, RN. “We never gave up on protecting our patients and community. Now we have a contract that guarantees Beverly nurses a strong voice in patient care and improving our hospital.”
Beverly nurses voted in February, 2011 to join United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP). Negotiations with Beverly Hospital management for a first contract began almost a year ago, on May 5, 2011. Nurses were supported by fellow unions, local community and elected leaders, including U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu. Delegations of L.A. unions, community, elected leaders made frequent visits to the hospital to call for management to negotiate fairly with nurses for the good of the community.
“We’re pleased that our hard work has paid off in a contract that will protect Beverly Nurses in their role as patient advocates,” said Ken Deitz, UNAC/UHCP President.
Congratulations to the nurses of Beverly Hospital on your hard won first contract!
