News from AFT Nurses and Health Professionals Archive

In recent months, healthcare professionals across several New Jersey healthcare systems have organized with Health Professionals and Allied Employees. Although they work in different professions and settings, these workers are finding common ground on staffing, workload, retention, safety, and the need for a stronger voice in decisions that impact their work and patient care.

 

This year, the Oregon Nurses Association has expanded its organizing footprint across Providence Oregon by organizing hundreds of professional and technical healthcare workers at four Providence hospitals. The concentrated effort shows how a strong union presence can fuel organizing growth, with ONA nurses supporting new campaigns and demonstrating the power of collective bargaining.  

 

AFT member Beverly Grace has seen how vaccinations protect children and communities from preventable disease. Now, as federal vaccine recommendations shift, the Baltimore County public health nurse worries that confusion, misinformation and barriers to vaccination could reverse decades of progress. From parents struggling to complete vaccination schedules to public health workers being ready for outbreaks, Grace warns that declining vaccination rates could hit vulnerable communities hardest and undermine the prevention efforts that keep communities healthy.  

 

Protecting our elections isn’t a new fight for us, but as the midterm elections approach, the stakes couldn’t be higher. That’s why our union has launched the AFTvotes Democracy Defenders program. Defending democracy starts right at home; we are building a nationwide network of thousands of volunteers to help safeguard our elections at the local level. Sign up to become a Democracy Defender and talk with co-workers, make calls, knock on doors and help ensure that every eligible vote counts.

 

People around the world are increasingly pessimistic about the state of the world, and part of that mindset stems from worries about artificial intelligence. But in her recent column, AFT President Randi Weingarten says she’s hopeful because so many, including the AFT, are actively fighting for safeguards. While AI has the potential to be a positive force; but if it is not regulated, the consequences could be disastrous. Even lawmakers, business leaders and advocacy organizations are joining labor in urging the tech industry to take the reins and implement guardrails for AI, emphasizing that safety is just as vital as innovation.

 

We know what happens when working people use our collective power. We use it at the bargaining table, and now we’re using it to lead our communities to the ballot box. On Saturday, Oct. 17, AFT members will join millions of people nationwide for the next “No Kings” event, a day of nonpartisan voter participation. It’s a chance to turn people power into voter power—and to organize for what comes next.