Union vs. Union: CA Nurses Take Legal Action Against SEIU
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Kartch
21 APRIL 2008
202-785-0266
California: Unions Spar over Membership
SEIU vs. California Nurses Association: Questionable Tactics Used
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Alliance for Worker Freedom (AWF), a Washington, DC based group that advocates for the protection of workers rights, commented on the recent file for a restraining order by the California Nurses Association against the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
The California Nurses Association has accused the SEIU of intimidation and stalking of nurses belonging to the association. Board Members report being shouted at and looked at through their windows. “These tactics,” according to AWF Policy Director Brian Johnson, “are nothing new. These are the types of coercive actions taken by unions to increase their falling membership. The left consistently tries to caricature these allegations as false or over exaggerations, but here we see manifest in a real case study, the true power of union intimidation and coercion.”
The SEIU has, in turn, accused the California Nurses Association of intimidation on an equal level. “Union membership is on a decline nation-wide, and this is a well documented phenomenon. Unions know it, and what we are seeing here is the sheer desperation and utterly low tactics used to increase their membership and dues,” says Johnson.
Andy Stern, president of SEIU, is scheduled to appear in front of the Alameda County Superior Court on May 1st to testify. Currently, SEIU members and staff must stay at least 100 yards away from all staff of the California Nurses Association.
AWF is concerned about workers’ Constitutional right to association and will continue to monitor this issue very closely.
California Press & Talk Radio Alert:
To schedule an interview with Brian Johnson, call 202-785-0266 or email jkartch@atr.org
