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Pickets have a point

The Spokesman-Review

Empire Health’s unionized workers have a right to hold informational pickets that are critical of Deaconess and Valley Hospital. Community Health has reneged on promises to employees concerning negotiations, medical insurance, retirement benefits, and committed unfair labor actions. Community Health (2008 profits of $218 million) is also trying to break unions who represent their employees.

It is anyone’s guess what Deaconess nurses were thinking by decertifying the union and the attempt to decertify it at Valley Hospital. Actions by Community Health only demonstrate what life will be like for any employee who works in a non-union atmosphere. If SEIU is not working, try another union with proven actions and results. Working without a union contract is like suicide.

Any rights that you enjoy as an employee came about because someone struggled and fought for them. It is no accident that states that previously fought for the right to enslave others are hostile to any form of collective bargaining. They will fight to keep from sharing power and control over their employees, with “right to work (for less)” laws and other anti-union policies. Community Health has shown its true colors.

Linda Gusch

Spokane



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