ANA Statement On H.R. 1644/S. 969: The Re-Empowerment Of Skilled And Professional Employees And Construction Tradeworkers (Respect) Act

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 27 Mar 2007 - 10:00 PDT

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The American Nurses Association commends the action of U.S. lawmakers to introduce legislation that would reverse a decision by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to expand the definition of the term "supervisor." That decision, rendered in September 2006, effectively limits the rights of thousands of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses to retain basic protections under federal labor law.

H.R. 1644/S. 969 The Re-Empowerment of Skilled and Professional Employees and Construction Tradeworkers (RESPECT) Act will clarify the definition of the term "supervisor" thereby limiting the ability of employers to take away union protections.

"ANA is a strong advocate for the rights of nurses to choose to join a union," said American Nurses Association President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. "Excluding nurses from collective bargaining, by labeling them 'supervisors' jeopardizes their workplace protections, including their ability to act as patient advocates; this legislation will serve to protect the safety and well being of both registered nurses and their patients." ANA supports legislative efforts that enable nurses to secure just compensation and humane working conditions; and maintain the highest standards of patient care. For additional information on this issue click here

The ANA is the only full-service professional organization representing the interests of the nation's 2.9 million registered nurses through its 54 constituent member nurses associations. The ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

American Nurses Association