National Federation of Nurses (NFN) is aware of a dispute involving the recent officer elections held by one of its members, the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA). We are monitoring the situation closely.
At question are objections raised by NYSNA members over alleged interference in the elections by the affiliates of the National Nurses United (NNU) specifically the California Nurses Association (CNA) and the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA).
Subsequent the election, members filed lawsuits and election protests with both the NYSNA Election Committee and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL has opened an active investigation into whether the NYSNA election conduct violated the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, the federal law that establishes standards for union officer elections.
Upon investigation of the protests, the NYSNA Election Committee ordered a re-run of the election, a decision that was upheld by NYSNA’s Appeals Committee. Some of the member protests include allegations that NNU improperly provided financial assistance to NYSNA candidates, and that NYSNA staff assisted NNU in unlawfully interfering with the NYSNA officer election. In its decision to prompt a re-run election, the NYSNA Election Committee determined conduct giving rise to the protests were serious violations of NYSNA Election policies that prevented a fair and open election. (Read the full report of the NYSNA Elections Committee.)
In the midst of the pending election protests, a federal judge has ordered that the winners of the NYSNA election must be permitted to take office. This order in no way constitutes a decision regarding the validity of the NYSNA election. In fact, there is a very real possibility of an order for a re-run election upon resolution of the DOL investigation. A decision by the DOL is expected in the coming months. Why is all this important information for NFN members?
The newly seated NYSNA Board recently issued written notification that it is ceasing payment of dues to NFN, a violation of NYSNA’s legal affiliation agreement with NFN. At a time when labor needs to stand united, the unfortunate circumstances in New York only serve to detract from the bigger challenges ahead. These challenges are especially evident after NFN—in solidarity with its member the Ohio Nurses Association and its nurse membership—spent the better part of this year successfully fighting to secure the rights of nurses, police officers, firefighters, and other workers to collectively bargain with their employers.
We are unsure of what the implications will be (if any) of the situation in New York for our members and are monitoring those proceedings closely. We are hopeful that the DOL will rule promptly to ensure that the Election Committee’s decision is upheld and a new election is run.
We will keep members informed as this situation unfolds. In the meantime, visit NFN’s website to learn more about the NFN and sign up for the quarterly e-newsletter.