Does labor need more clout? CON

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/03/EDNUVBJHU.DTL

Unions need to respect worker choice

Deborah Proctor

Monday, March 3, 2008

Newspaper articles over the past several years have placed a spotlight on disputes occurring in health care regarding the unionization of employees. Unfortunately, these articles often do not identify the common ground among health-care leaders and union leaders, the specific points of disagreement, and the challenges that call for new frameworks to better understand these issues.

It is important to look below the surface and uncover some of the more complex "roots" that would allow a clearer understanding of these ongoing disputes.

Most union leaders and health-care leaders would be in fundamental agreement about several issues, including:

-- In whatever choices workers make, they should seek to ensure that the mission of health care remains central to the workplace and is not compromised. The goal should be to build a successful organization devoted to quality service and the advancement of the well-being of individuals and community.

-- From international, national and local perspectives, the union movement has been and is an important voice that has positively influenced the lives of workers subject to harsh working conditions and substandard pay.

-- The foundational importance of the dignity of the worker and right of the worker to have a fair and just workplace.

-- The right of the worker to earn a just living wage.

FULL story at link.