Nurses condemn executive order threatening union rights and patient care

Union of Registered Nurses Responds to Executive Order Impacting Federal Employees

The largest union of registered nurses in the United States, National Nurses United (NNU), has expressed strong opposition to a recent executive order aimed at reducing the union rights of federal employees. This order affects a significant number of individuals, including 15,000 registered nurses affiliated with NNU, which operates in 23 VA facilities nationwide.

In their statement, NNU criticized the executive order, describing it as a clear attempt at "union busting." They emphasized the critical role that union nurses play in maintaining high standards of care within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. "Registered nurses are appalled by this latest executive order," they stated, highlighting their commitment to patients and the importance of union rights in advocating for safe staffing levels and adequate funding.

The union underscored the superior quality of care provided by the VA compared to the private sector, as supported by multiple studies. They argued that the ability to engage in collective bargaining is essential for nurses to effectively voice patient safety concerns, leading to better outcomes in unionized hospitals.

NNU raised concerns over the potential impact of the executive order on worker protections across the country, stating, "Stripping bargaining rights for federal workers puts all worker protections in danger throughout the country." The union is currently considering legal action to counter what it perceives as an overreach of executive power.

National Nurses United, which includes affiliates such as the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association, represents over 225,000 members nationwide and is recognized as the fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the U.S.