CNA/NNOC Statement On Restraining Order Against SEIU: Threats, Harassment And Stalking Of RNs Remain Out Of Bounds, USA

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 24 Apr 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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A ruling by Alameda County Superior Court to vacate its temporary restraining order against the Service Employees International Union and its President Andy Stern on procedural grounds does nothing to justify any continued acts of threats, harassment, and stalking of registered nurses, the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee said Tuesday night.

"The TRO gave the nurses a few days reprieve from harassment," said Geri Jenkins, RN, a member of the CNA/NNOC Council of Presidents who said she had six SEIUers make a stalking visit to her home.

"Nothing in today's ruling should be construed as a license to continue behavior and a pattern of threats and harassment that has become an SEIU trademark," said Jenkins.

"Hopefully Stern and SEIU will use this opportunity to learn from this experience that it is time for them to respect nurses, that their deplorable behavior is not acceptable and does not enhance their reputation or their credibility," Jenkins said.

CNA/NNOC continued to criticize SEIU efforts to hide behind constitutional protections of free speech and broad labor law protections for unions to justify attacks on registered nurses.

"We will carefully monitor their next steps, and Stern and SEIU should understand that will never stand by when the safety and rights of our members, all registered nurses, and our staff are threatened or jeopardized," said CNA Executive Director Rose Ann DeMoro.

California Nurses Association