Question

tontiict Resoiution Discussion Board Question: It is imperative that nursing remains abreast of the political issues that affect the profession, positively or negatively. There are several major issues facing nursing today. How the profession handles these issues can determine how well the profession survives in this century. Assignment: Zerwekh discusses three major issues facing nursing today which includes mutual recognition licensure, collective bargaining, and equal pay. Explore your own beliefs and values concerning collective bargaining. Discuss how you perceive collective bargaining and its impact on your own nursing career.

Answer 1

Collective Bargaining

Collective bargaining ia method of negotiation in which employees negotiate as a group with their employers, usually via a trade union. Employees can present their concerns and demand to regulate working hours, work load and salaries to employer through an organized body. This process is aimed at reaching the agreements with the employers to improve the working condition and wages of employees.

There existing different organisations of nursing in several countries, that raise the voice against the unjust laws laid by the employers. Most of these organizations are trying to protect the rights of the nurses, both student nurse and staffs. Nursing organizations for protecting the nurses' rights came to appearance at the beginning of twentieth century. Beatrice Webb from Britain is the one who first introduced the term ' Collective Bargaining' in 1891.

Phases involved in Collective Bargaining

Phase of preparation : includes the steps such as call for a meeting of all the nurses who support Collective Bargaining and assess the present condition and the political atmosphere. Be aware of the state laws regarding the employment.

Phase of Discussion : Discussion with all the staff members and the leaders of the state nurses association. Plan for the steps that going to be taken and proposals.

Phase of negotiation: present the proposals to the employer and start the bargaining. Be aware of the state laws and policies about collective bargaining. This phase may attract media attention

Phase of settlement and administration: This phase involves an agreement made between the employer and employee union regarding the improvement in working condition or wages. The agreement should be administered by the employer and employees should get the benefit of that.

phase of law enforcement: Agreements with the employers should be enforced with the law otherwise whole process will be in vain.

Some professional Associations and Unions for nurses

American nurses Association

Trained Nurses Association of India

International Council of Nurses

United nurses Association( India)

Canadian Nurses Association

Indian Nursing Council

National league for nursing.

' where free unions and collective bargaining are forbidden, freedom is lost' ( Ronald Reagan)

It is necessary to have associations and Unions for nurses to fight for their rights. Even though there are some disadvantages such as ' no individual voice or personal judgement' and association fee irrespective of participation, Collective Bargaining through unions and associations is a must thing for the nurses as the profession is facing many issues. No country isan exception for this. Together we stand, divided we fall.