NY Nurse: March 2022

Women are an indomitable force. They have not only changed history, but improved the labor movement. From Francis Perkins, who was the first woman to serve in a cabinet level position and a fierce advocate for workers, to Rosina Corrothers Tucker, who was a civil rights and labor activist, to Emma Tenayuca, a Mexican American labor organizer, the world of work would look drastically different without women. For Women’s History Month, I caught up with several NYSNA members to learn who inspires them and who they’re seeking to inspire.

March marks a historic event: Women’s History Month, which is important because it highlights the achievement of women both past and present who have helped build and mold this country. Most importantly, women throughout history have created opportunities for me and so many others. This month is an opportunity to learn about our great leaders, activists and pioneers who have worked hard to ensure women are recognized and that future generations will learn (with accuracy) the contributions women throughout the world have made.

Making history can seem easy, especially when, with the click of a mouse, we can quickly find those who’ve done so. However, it takes a lot of hard work to make history, and the impulse to do so is often rooted in an outcry for change or inclusion or simply being seen and heard.

Women seem to get that — especially those called into nursing.

There are two words that characterize the Multi-Union Staffing Committee Symposium; unity and promise.

When NYSNA joined 1199SEIU, CWA, DC 37, PEF leaders and more than 500 participants at the first Multi-Union Staffing Committee Symposium on January 28, there was a palpable sense of unity. Unions have a history of forming coalitions around budget negotiations, electoral work and even climate justice work. But this is the first time we’ve formed a coalition across facilities and unions. We are uniting people on the ground for an issue that impacts all and will help all.

March, as you know is Women’s History Month. It’s a time to honor the contributions of women and celebrate those who made it possible for women to thrive. But if we embrace this month’s feel-good moments without examining the challenges women still face, we will have missed the mark.