Work as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can often be a very physically demanding job lifting patients twice your size who are unable to move themselves. CNAs are injured far too often while caring for their patients, as was the case for a CNA at HCA-affiliated Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte who injured herself while quickly taking action to help a patient who was falling out of bed. By standing up for herself and knowing her union contract, she kept a hospital job following the injury.
After working on light duty following her on-the-job injury, the CNA received a letter from Fawcett stating that she would be terminated. The CNA then met with human resources and was told that she was being terminated because she did not seek a suitable position for transfer. However, her union contract clearly states that it is management’s responsibility to find another position for her and assist with any necessary training for the new position.
As a result, the letter of termination was rescinded and Fawcett is actively looking to place the CNA in a new position, which has motivated her to become an even more active leader helping to educate other 1199SEIU members about the details of their union contract so that all workers know their rights and are treated fairly.
Contract negotiations are around the corner, starting winter 2014, and members are strongly encouraged to make their voice heard by joining the “Contract Action Team”. To get involved, 1199SEIU members should contact their 1199SEIU delegate or organizer.
After working on light duty following her on-the-job injury, the CNA received a letter from Fawcett stating that she would be terminated. The CNA then met with human resources and was told that she was being terminated because she did not seek a suitable position for transfer. However, her union contract clearly states that it is management’s responsibility to find another position for her and assist with any necessary training for the new position.
As a result, the letter of termination was rescinded and Fawcett is actively looking to place the CNA in a new position, which has motivated her to become an even more active leader helping to educate other 1199SEIU members about the details of their union contract so that all workers know their rights and are treated fairly.
Contract negotiations are around the corner, starting winter 2014, and members are strongly encouraged to make their voice heard by joining the “Contract Action Team”. To get involved, 1199SEIU members should contact their 1199SEIU delegate or organizer.
