A seat at the table: The nurses supported each other throughout the campaign, starting with their union card authorization signing session. From the front on the left: Rosanna, Sabrina, Sara, Nicole, and Latasha. On the right: Kirsy, Stephanie, Lori, and Joan.
Chemotherapy nurses working at Watson Clinic Cancer and Research Center in Lakeland, Fla., voted to join UFCW Local 1625 earlier this month. This is the first unit there to join the local.
Organizers say that in hopes of stalling the organizing effort, the employer added four nurse practitioners and a team lead to the vote list. That led to five challenged votes out of the 15 votes cast, which wasn’t enough to silence the voices of the nurses whose concerns with safety and fairness lead them to seek out union representation.
The nursing staff behind the win said they’re looking to improve the workplace for both themselves and for those who come after them. “We wanted to join UFCW to provide support for current and future healthcare workers.”