[lbo-talk] NYSNA vs. SEIU1199

[Joseph Catron]

NYSNA is a weird hybrid creature, not even a "professional union" like
the CNA, but rather a "professional association" that includes a
union.  The rest of the association is open to everyone in the correct
profession, including RNs in management.  When NYSNA disaffiliated
from United American Nurses, and hence the AFL-CIO, the vote was cast
by its board of 13, 6 of whom were not union members.

If I didn't buy the Trot line against state intervention in the labor
movement, I would advocate a ban on such mixed organizations having
the power to bargain collectively.  And while I don't think raids are
a good use of any union's limited resources, I would certainly never
trust a cross-class "professional association" to represent my class
interests, or those of any worker, at the bargaining table.

More on this thoroughly confusing arrangement from a highly ironic source:

http://www.uniondemocracy.com/UDR/161-Four_state_nurses_associations_quit_AFL-CIO_union.htm

-- 
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mægen lytlað."