Sense of union solidarity expands following ratification vote at Cambridge Hospital

"I am delighted with the vote, and I believe that it reflects the member-driven contract which the negotiating committee worked so hard at achieving!"

This is how Donna Kelly Williams, chapter chairperson, described the unanimous ratification vote for a two-year contract with Cambridge Hospital on Sept. 21. There was a huge turnout of nurses—many coming in on their day off—to cast their vote of support for the efforts of their bargaining committee. When asked about the contract negotiating process, Williams stated, "The membership input throughout the 43 all-day bargaining sessions was the driving force behind this successful contract effort. After each day of negotiations, the bargaining committee would meet with the members to get feedback and direction. They were fully informed throughout the process."

The bargaining team was made up of both newer nurses and senior nurses with many years of dedicated service at Cambridge Hospital. For some of the team, this was their first bargaining experience. The team truly represented all of the interests of the bargaining unit: from specialty areas, to midwives, to school health nurses. The team worked hard to speak for all of the nurses covered by the contract, and each member brought insight and expertise that helped to make the bargaining process better and more representative of the members as a whole.

Williams is hopeful that this new union spirit will carry on into local chapter elections, which are scheduled for this fall. "It is my hope and desire that new members become involved in the MNA, and that we give them the support and information they need so that they provide effective representation for the nurses at Cambridge Hospital."

An MNA training for nurse representatives will be held in late October to provide nurses with the foundation to become knowledgeable union representatives. The new activism exhibited throughout the almost two-years of bargaining will continue to make nurses a strong and respected voice at Cambridge Hospital.