I recently stumbled across an article about a bunch of CNAs who came together through a union to demand better wages, and it was pretty inspiring.
It turns out that CNAs from five different nursing homes in New York recently gathered through their health care union to fight for a fair contract. They were pushing for not just an increase in pay, but also agreements that would address high staff turnover. One facility said there were only TWO CNAs handling a ward of 40 patients! I know that for a lot of us that’s hardly surprising, and is pretty similar to what we’ve experienced.
According to the article from Times Union, “the union has noted that workers at Centers [Health Care] facilities appear to be paid below market rate, with particularly low wages compared to other nursing homes in the state.” The vice president for the union said, “As fast as workers come in, they leave because they’re not being paid an adequate rate.” I can believe it!
Many of us CNAs are so underpaid for the hard work that we do, so it’s no wonder high turnover rates are so common.
After reading this article, I also heard about some local news where CNAs who work at facilities in both Spokane and Bellingham won historic raises through their union! Those CNAs are now getting starting wages of — get this — $24 – $29 per hour!
Honestly, it’s making me hopeful to hear about the ways so many CNAs across the country are coming together through unions to demand what they deserve.
What do you think about all this news? Do you think joining a union works?
Read the full article here.