Nursing Unions: How Our Frontline Heroes Can Speak Up For Their Rights

Every year, we celebrate Labor Day as a commemoration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. Our frontline heroes stand proudly among them, and their nursing unions stand proudly for them. 

In fact, more than 20% of registered nurses (RNs) and more than 10% of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are represented by nursing unions in America today. But the decision to join a nursing union should not be lightly considered. Although some states require nurses to join a union, other “right-to-work” states make it discretionary. 

To better determine whether it is in your best interests as a nurse to join a union, we will explore what a nursing union is, its purpose, and the pros and cons of joining one. In this way, you can better decide whether joining a union is right for you.   

What is a Nursing Union?

A nursing union is a group of RNs, LPNs and LVNs who collectively advocate for nurses’ rights and critical workplace conditions. 

Most prominent among these rights are better nurse-to-patient staffing ratios (aka “safe staffing”), increased job security, and fair nursing wages and benefits. Arising in the early 20th century, nursing unions have played a strong role in ensuring nurses’ national and state rights are advanced and that workplace conditions are improved. 

Of note, the pandemic has resulted in a greater push towards unionizing our frontline heroes because of the heavy burdens such frontline workers faced. During that critical time, unions played a significant role in advocating for personal protective equipment (PPE) for every nurse delivering critical care to COVID-19 patients.  

Here are four major healthcare industry unions that represent and advocate for nurses every day:

National Nurses United

National Nurses United (NNU) is the largest union of registered nurses in America at 225,000 members strong. Founded in 2009, it combined three unions: Massachusetts Nurses Association, United American Nurses, and the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee.  

American Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals

The American Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (AFT) is the AFL-CIO’s second largest union and is also the fastest growing healthcare union in the nation. It has 1.8 million members and has 3,000 affiliates, representing 84,000 registered nurses. A majority of the AFT members are nurses working in hospitals and healthcare facilities while 15,000 members are school nurses.

Service Employees International Union – Nurse Alliance

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - Nurse Alliance has over 80,000 registered nurses in 21 states. SEIU union leaders and members advocate for better patient outcomes and improved working conditions for nurses. Also, healthcare reform is a major issue in their lobbying efforts. 

United Food and Commercial Workers International Union

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) is 55,000 members strong and they focus on making better contracts for nurses in the healthcare industry. They claim to make their members’ wages 22% higher compared to their nonunion counterparts. 

What is the Purpose of a Nursing Union?

The purpose of nursing unions is to better the lives of their members at the workplace. Nursing unions use their collective bargaining power to represent their members during negotiations for better salary, benefit packages and workplace conditions. Their strength in numbers gives them leverage when dealing with employers like hospitals and healthcare facilities.   

Should I Join a Nursing Union?

Nursing union membership is a personal decision and can impact your workplace and career. While there are many advantages to joining a union, there are also certain drawbacks. Understanding both the benefits and downsides of such a decision can better help you make an informed choice. 

Pros and Cons Quickview 

Here are some noted advantages and disadvantages of joining a nursing union:

Pros of Joining a Nursing Union

Here are some highlighted benefits of nursing union membership:

Collective Bargaining Power: Better Wages, Benefits, and Working Conditions

Nursing unions bargain as a group to secure improved wages, better benefit packages, safer staffing ratios and more secure working conditions. Among the issues on the negotiating table including increased nursing pay, health insurance benefits and retirement packages.

Advocacy: Safer Staffing Ratios and Improved Patient Care

By advocating vigorously for our frontline heroes’ interests, these unions ensure they have the resources and compensation nurses are due. This collective nursing advocacy not only helps nurses but also patients. Specifically, patients benefit from their improved morale, better quality of care and job satisfaction.

Lobbying for Legislation That Benefits Nurses and Patients

Through their lobbying efforts in federal and state legislatures, unions ensure that nurses' voices are heard in the halls of government. Some of the legislative changes nursing unions push for include:

• Mandatory nurse-to-patient staffing ratios
• Increased healthcare funding
• Protecting patient and nurse safety
• Supporting mental healthcare initiatives
• Promoting workforce diversity and inclusion 
• Improving affordable healthcare access
• Safeguarding nurses’ rights

Providing Support and Resources for Nurses

Nursing unions provide support and a sense of community for nurses who are facing workplace challenges. Many nurses turn to their unions when they need legal representation, mental health support, continuing education opportunities or networking introductions. 

Cons of Joining a Nursing Union

Union Dues and Fees

Union membership fees can be a financial burden, especially if you’re a nurse just beginning your career. Some employers may deduct your union subscription directly from your paycheck, reducing your take-home pay. 

Potential for Unpaid Strikes

Although strikes can be a very effective bargaining tool, they do come with risks. If you are on the picketing line, you could face a loss of income or potential public scrutiny. Nurses also face an ethical quandary of whether to abandon care of their patients during a strike.  

Bureaucracy and Limited Individual Bargaining Power

Because union strength comes from its numbers, sometimes little is left to personal needs or individual performance. As such, nurses sometimes find it difficult to navigate the inherent bureaucracy of nursing unions. This can feel frustrating if you feel your personal needs do outweigh the collective interests.  

Workplace Tension

In some instances, a unionized environment can sometimes lead to friction between the employer and union members. This could adversely impact workplace morale and job satisfaction. 

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Having a nursing union represent you for any workplace concerns can be an advantage. But before you make the decision to become a member, consider the benefits and drawbacks carefully. Unionizing has a lot of offer nurses, but ensure it is right for you before committing.

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