Your Right To Organize

Both union and non-union nurses have the following rights under federal labor law: 

• The right to organize a union of your own choosing. 
• The right to discuss, hand out literature, and sign cards on non-work time in non-work areas, as long as it doesn’t disrupt patient care. 
  • Non-work time is defined as before and after shifts, and during breaks (breaks are flexible to your advantage since nurses don’t get fixed breaks). 
  • Non-work areas means breakrooms, bathrooms, near the elevator, off the floor, the cafeteria, the parking lot, etc. 
• The right to talk about NYSNA at the nurses’ station while you’re on a momentary break, since nurses are often only able to take brief breaks on busy occasions. You must use good judgment about who is around, and be careful not to disrupt other employees who are working. 
• The right to participate in a concerted or collective action. 

If you are in doubt or have questions about these rights, contact your NYSNA representative or contact a NYSNA organizer.