Dear SEIU Local 121RN Member,

I've learned that you recently became a member of our Union. Let me be one of the first to welcome you!

A Union is working people standing together—and you just made us STRONGER!

When my colleagues and I first formed our Union with SEIU Local 121RN, one of our primary goals was to have a voice. Before we formed our Union, our hospital administrators would meet with us. It would seem like they were listening. They'd take copious notes.

And then nothing would happen.

For years now, we've seen the Union difference. Now when we report staffing issues, outdated equipment, lack of resources and other critical things we need for good patient care, we get results. We really are stronger together.

And there couldn't be a better time stand united and strong. This year, we'll be in Union contract negotiations with 12 different hospitals. At several of these hospitals, RNs just recently formed their unions with us. They now have an opportunity to have their wages, benefits and working conditions guaranteed in writing for the very first time. At other hospitals, we'll work hard to preserve the benefits we’ve already won and build on these gains with our proposed improvements.

We also use our collective strength in our Nurse-Powered Politics program.

We had a big victory last year. With our lobby visits, emails to elected officals, personal stories and financial contributions, we won passage of our "Whistleblower Protection" bill, AB 1102. This new law strengthens fines if a hospital disciplines us for blowing the whistle on unsafe assignments. Learn about the many laws and regulations the RNs of SEIU Local 121RN have helped make possible » click here.

This year, we will work together to pass SB 1288 – Stop Repeat Offender Hospitals (Leyva), designed to put real teeth into safe staffing enforcement. Read why RNs like Kathy, Joyce, Alvin and Yolanda are getting involved!

Want to get more involved in helping us get this bill passed? Attend our Lobby & Media Training here at our Union Hall in Pasadena on May 30th. Click here to RSVP.

Riverside RN Kathy Montanino did a great job as the MC of our Press Conference last month in Sacramento—and we live FB'd the whole thing! Watch it here. And here's some resulting great coverage of our bill on ABC later that day:

Finally, we continue to fight off the increasing attacks on our freedom to stand together in a strong union. Organizations with deceptively patriotic, pro-worker-sounding names like “Freedom Foundation” and “National Right to Work Foundation” continue their decades-long attacks on our right to be part of a strong Union with the power to improve our working conditions, advocate for our patients and negotiate good wages and benefits for ourselves and our families. Click here to learn more.

You join nearly 9,000 other SEIU Local 121RN members at 26 hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout Southern California.

You’re part of a Movement!

We are affiliated with the Service Employees International Union, which represents 2 million members. We are all United in our efforts for good jobs and a better future for ALL working families.

I invite you to learn more about your union. Check out our hospital-specific pages—click on your hospital to find all the latest Union news about your worksite, including updates on contract negotiations, information on whom to contact regarding worksite issues, and more!

I'm excited that you've joined our SEIU Local 121RN family. I look forward to seeing you at future events, such as…

• May 16—Steward Training Part 1
• May 30—Lobby and Media Training to get our bill passed!
• June 2–5—"Get out the vote"—join us as we talk to voters about Dr. Ed Hernandez (one of our "Healthcare Heroes") for Lt. Governor
• July 18—Steward Training Part 2
• Click here for a full calendar of SEIU Local 121RN union events and meetings!

Sincerely,

Gayle Batiste President, SEIU Local 121RN RN, CNOR, Northridge

• Click here to learn more about Union discounts and benefits on things like entertainment, legal services, health clubs and more!
• “Like” us on Facebook. We often post our most recent and important information here, as well was as newsworthy items.
• Subscribe to our email updates and text alerts. This is the quickest way to stay informed.
• Look for our quarterly newsletter at your worksite.
• Lastly, be sure to visit our website often. This is where you get the most comprehensive information.

…and then be sure to have conversations with your co-workers about these issues that matter to all of us!

Have a problem on the job? Let's work together to resolve it. Click here to find your Stewards, Chapter Officers and Union Organizer on our Hospital web pages.