Inside the UNAC/UHCP Convention: A Frontline Perspective - Part 2

From left to right: Tennessee Representative Justin Pearson, Jeff Cathcart (CRNA)

By Jeff Cathcart, CRNA

A month or so ago, at our bargaining session in Oakland, we were introduced to Charmaine Morales, RN, the elected President of UNAC/UHCP. She had heard of our struggles at the table and came down to personally attend our bargaining session. Peter Sidhu, RN, the elected Executive Vice President, has attended a couple of bargaining sessions as well. At the time, I really didn’t put much thought into their attendance.

Last week, Sanne, Danny, and I (Jeff) attended the UNAC/UHCP Bi-annual Convention. When we entered the Convention Hall and noticed seating for a thousand people, who each represent roughly forty people (forty thousand members in total), the size and scope of the Union began to sink in. When I witnessed the reception Charmaine Morales received and the National Leaders she round-tabled with on stage, it further hit me.

Originally meeting Charmaine and Peter, I had no context as to their prominence and influence. Realizing that they took the time to personally attend our bargaining session made me realize how truly vested every member of the Union is in our success. Their hands-on approach from the top down and our access to those figures is impressive and reassuring. One early morning, the three of us ran into Charmaine in the hallway and were again blown away that she not only knew exactly who we were but knew us by name. Later in the day, we had a similar experience with Joe Guzynski, who’s the Executive Director of UNAC/UHCP. Can any of you imagine Greg Adams, your PIC, or even your AMGA knowing who you are, what you do, or your name in passing? Personally, it made me further realize what a great decision it was in choosing UNAC/UHCP to represent us.

Originally, the convention was scheduled to take place in San Diego. The hotel workers in San Diego (housekeepers, cooks, wait staff, etc.) are fighting for a living wage and have been on strike. In solidarity with those workers, the convention was moved to Los Angeles in less than two weeks. Seeing the massive size and how well-organized the Convention was put into perspective how well-run UNAC/UHCP truly is.

Some of those National Leaders I spoke of above included Lee Saunders (president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, with 1.4 million members), Xavier Becerra (United States Secretary of Health and Human Services), State Legislators, and Union Leaders from Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. Point is, the Union is well-connected with influence and support across the country.

Click here to read Part 1 of this series.