Contact: Hal Weiss (213) 247-4585

Los Angeles, CA—Nurses at Kindred Hospital Los Angeles celebrated yesterday, as the National Labor Relations Board counted mailed-in ballots in their vote to join SEIU 121RN, a Union that represents registered nurses and licensed healthcare professionals in California. More than 60 nurses employed at the Hospital will gain union representation for the first time.

In their months-long organizing campaign, the nurses pointed to concerns over staffing, patient safety, and a lack of management support throughout the pandemic.

Kindred Hospital Los Angeles ICU nurse Jorge Flores, a 45-year veteran of the nursing profession, cast the vote as an important victory both the nurses and their patients.

“Even before the pandemic, we have been severely understaffed, often covering more patients than we can safely handle,” said Flores. “When we’ve tried to tell management that this was unsafe, they’ve just shrugged us off. Now that we have a union, they’ll be more accountable, and our communication will improve as a result.”

The NLRB will move to certify the vote on Friday, September 9th, if neither of the parties object to the results.

SEIU 121RN represents nurses at five other Kindred-owned facilities in Southern California, including Kindred hospitals South Bay, La Mirada, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and Riverside.

“We’re elated to have Kindred Hospital Los Angeles nurses join our ranks,” said SEIU Local 121RN Executive Director, Rosanna Mendez. “Together, we’ll continue to raise standards, and we’ll stand on the front lines in the ongoing fight for our patients’ safety. Our voice must be heard to keep our communities safe during public health crises. Each time nurses gain union representation, that voice grows a little bit louder.”

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SEIU Local 121RN represents registered nurses and other healthcare professionals in California. This member-led organization is committed to supporting optimum working conditions that allow nurses to provide quality patient care and safety.