Join JFK Memorial Hospital Strike Vote FAQ

Why are we voting on strike authorization?

Our Bargaining Team has worked hard to negotiate our new Union contract with hospital management, through a series of meetings that began earlier this year. We’ve proposed language to address critical issues that RNs face at our hospital. At the bargaining table and on the picket line we’ve stressed the gravity of these problems—but management has just deflected. We may be left with no other option but to strike—as an act of protest against these unfair labor practices. It is our legal right to do so.

But is a strike really necessary?

Your bargaining team would like to settle the contract as soon as possible, and we hope that management will return to the table with acceptable proposals in response to the important issues we’ve raised. However, management has refused to respond to some of our proposals and has committed Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs). 

If a strike is authorized, do I have to Strike?

A strike authorization vote doesn’t necessarily mean that we will go on strike. It simply tells our Bargaining Team that calling an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike is an option if they decide it’s necessary. If our Bargaining Team decides to issue a strike notice after our strike vote, the expectation is that you will honor the picket line. To truly show unity, you should not come to work, and you should sign up to join the picket line as often as you can.

Is the strike vote coordinated with CNA’s strike vote at other Tenet facilities?

California Nurses Association – the union that represents Nurses at Desert Regional Medical Center – is also holding a strike vote on 9/12. Although our actions are independent, we fully support our fellow union members and frontline nurses at our sister hospital. And, a strong showing at both strike votes will put maximum pressure on Tenet to begin listening to their Nurses.

How long would a potential strike last, and when could it take place?

Once your bargaining team is authorized to call a strike by a vote of the membership, they may do so at any time if they feel that negotiations are not productive. The law requires that the Union provide a 10-day notice of an intent to strike. The duration of the strike would be decided by the bargaining team and could last up to ten days or longer.

What if my Manager or Director asks me if I am going to strike?

If management approaches you in a hostile or coercive manner to ask you if you are going to strike, notify your Union Rep or Bargaining Team member immediately. They might ask if you’re planning to strike, but you are not obligated to tell them. You may say “I plan to stand united with my co-workers” or “Our Union has advised members that we have the legal right to keep our strike plans private.” Management must assure Nurses that there will not be any retaliation for their participation in the strike.

Can the Hospital discipline or terminate me if I strike and join the picket line?

By law, your employer must respect your right to strike. It is illegal for Management to terminate or retaliate against you for your participation in the strike. If any Manager or Director harasses you about striking, or if you feel like you are being retaliated against in any way (for voting, wearing a sticker, wearing purple), contact your Union Rep right away and we can file charges against Management with the National Labor Relations Board.

Will my patients be safe and taken care of if I strike?

The law requires that we give the hospital 10 days’ notice before we strike. This will give the hospital ample time to hire temporary staff. Our patients will be cared for by fully licensed staff.

Will I be covered by my health insurance during the strike?

Our health insurance premium is paid at the beginning of the month and remains in effect all month.

Can we be locked out?

The hospital can have a “lock-out”, an exclusion of employees from the workplace during a labor dispute. However, they can’t lock us out in retaliation for going on strike. That would be illegal. And they can’t permanently replace us for striking in protest of their unfair labor practices. Lock-outs, especially in healthcare strikes, are extremely uncommon.

Can my vacation be canceled if there is a strike?

No, your vacation should not be canceled. If management cancels your vacation, it can be considered an act of retaliation and discrimination and could be chargeable under the NLRA.

Can I use PTO while on strike?

Unless your PTO request has been pre-approved prior to the strike, management may deny your PTO request for the days we strike.

Do I need to call the hospital on days we’re on strike?

No. As a healthcare facility, our Union is required by law to give 10 days’ notice of when we will go on strike to the hospital and to tell the hospital when we will return. We, as a Union, will take care of this notice on behalf of our members.

Will night shift workers be walking the picket line at night?

Due to safety concerns, night shift workers will not picket at night. Night shift workers will, however, be expected to be on the picket line during daytime hours during set picket times, when they are available.