Safe Staffing Now!

WASHINGTON, D.C.

AFSCME's United Nurses of America made history on May 6, National Nurses Day, by sponsoring a joint press conference on the staffing crisis with nurses from other AFL-CIO unions.

It was a high point of UNA's Ninth National Nurses Congress, which brought more than 400 here. UNA is the only organization that speaks for all nurses — RNs and LP/VNs.

During four issue-packed days, the participants attended workshops and heard presentations on topics ranging from the nursing shortage to nurse-union organizing to successful political/legislative action. They also lobbied on Capitol Hill. The event also featured a dramatic presentation on the organizing drive at Chicago hospitals, owned by Resurrection Health Care Corp. President McEntee presented UNA Nursing Excellence Awards to:

Jeanne Adamski, LPN — a nurse for 37 years and an active member of the Minnesota Licensed Practical Nurses Association. At her Duluth hospital, she negotiated a model labor/management team. Adamski served on the committee that brought the MLPNA into AFSCME.

Sandra Marquez, RN — president of the St. Francis Medical Center unit, United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals/AFSCME. She has initiated several programs that strengthen members' communication with management and with their union.