NEW YORK NURSE: May 2010

RNs at work

Orienting new union members

Q.: How can I, as a union delegate, get involved with new-member orientation at my facility?

A.: Being a new employee is not easy. The first few days, weeks, and months can be a stressful time. So how can local bargaining unit leaders assist in the transition of our new brothers and sisters?

An initial meeting with a new union member is the best time to develop your relationship. For some, this may be a first experience as a member of a union. Research has shown that new members form their opinions about their union often within a short period of time after starting employment.

New member orientation begins with a structured plan. So ask yourself these questions:

Do you have a structured union orientation for new members at your facility?
How is the union notified about the hiring of a new member?
How are members officially signed up?
What new-member information is shared with the union from the employer – such as name, contact information, work location, and shift?
Do the local bargaining unit council rules provide for a membership committee?
Does a contract provision exist for member orientation on work time?

What you should include in a new-member packet:

A letter of introduction from the local leaders
Contact information on local bargaining unit leaders and delegates
A copy of the current NYSNA contract
Location of union bulletin boards
Copy of the bargaining-unit newsletter
Information on NYNSA’s website
NYSNA membership information

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your NYSNA nursing or program representative.

The NYSNA EGW Program receives many inquiries each month from members who have problems in their workplaces. If you have a question about labor relations at your facility, contact your NYSNA nursing representative. If you have a question you think should be featured in this column, send it to: RNs at Work, NYSNA, 120 Wall Street, 23rd Floor, New York, N.Y. 10005.