American Nurses Association
By: Leilani Lynn
ANA history
An early goal was to provide better nursing care for American soldiers. Before the union was founded nurses worked in horrible conditions. They had to fight off the infectious conditions that were all around them. Every nurse was expected to to carry out a long list of nursing and non-nursing duties. The union grew by establishing guidelines in nursing practices. It also promotes and protects the rights of nurses in the work place. In addition to advancing the prosperity and general security of nurses.
The union today
Currently the amount of members is dropping because some feel that the ANA is not giving it's members the opportunity to decide how something is done.
The ANA's symbol is Florence Nightingale's lamp. She was a guiding force in the field of nursing. She spent her nights looking after soldiers in the late hours of the night, holding a lamp. She's known as being "the lady of the lamp."
Interview
I decided to interview Elena Martinez, a social worker who is a member currently of the United Federation of Teachers. She is a social worker at a public school. The UFT not only is a union made to cover teachers but also covers secretaries and social workers.
"i think unions are good. they protect the rights of social employees and advocate on their social workers behalf."
Question 2.) How has the union changed since you became a part of it?
"how we have become more collaborative versus adversarial with school administration"
Question 3.) If there was anything you could change about your union what would it be?
"That it not be so political in the sense that they favor certain politicians and people who follow certain politicians. For example i've been called before as a reminder to vote for Hillary Clinton. They do this all the time. Overall its very political. "
Question 4.) What member benefits does your union give you?
"we get medical coverage, dental coverage, medication coverage, salary increases, job security, avocation for shorter work days, and representation in Albany by the union."
Question 5.)How do you become a part of a union?
"You pay monthly bills towards the union. I pay about $50 a month per bill. Which is around $90 a month."