NOVEMBER 2020 PULSE
In November, NUHW members accomplished our goal of dramatically expanding COVID-testing for workers and patients at acute care hospitals throughout California, launched a campaign to end subcontracting and improve COVID-19 protections at Tenet Healthcare hospitals, approved a new contract at Seton Medical Center and Seton Coastside, and helped elect pro-worker candidates in the general election. We also lost two members of our union family to COVID-19: Armando Rodriguez, a radiology technician at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, and Antonio Orea, a longtime staff leader. Please read the stories below, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, too.
Note: Photographs of people without masks were taken before the COVID-19 pandemic.
A big win on COVID testing
After months of rallies and protests by NUHW members, and high-level conversations with state officials, the Newsom Administration unveiled the nation’s strongest testing requirements for hospital workers and patients. Read more.
Tenet workers call for stronger COVID protections, end to subcontracting
NUHW members at three Tenet Healthcare hospitals gathered outside Fountain Valley Regional hospital to launch a campaign to protect their health and fight for their colleagues whose jobs are subcontracted to a firm that pays poverty wages. Read more.
Remembering Armando J. Rodriguez, dedicated caregiver and family man
Armando Rodriguez, a radiology technician at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, was known as “The Candyman” because he always had candy to share with his colleagues. Armando contracted COVID-19 in July and died from the illness in November. Read more.
Remembering Antonio Orea, a champion of working people
In November, we lost a dedicated staff leader and beloved member of our NUHW family to COVID-19. Antonio Orea was a tough defender of workers rights during his 17 years with our union and one of the hardest-working people we’ve ever known. Read more.
Seton members ratify one-year contract
Amid attempted takeaways by Seton’s new owner, NUHW members stood together to achieve their main objectives, including the preservation of their health benefits and a ban on subcontracting. Read more.
Election roundup
Even during a pandemic, NUHW members volunteered their time to help elect advocates for working people. Read more.
Check out the NUHW COVID Bulletin
Take a look at our first COVID Bulletin, which highlights several victories by NUHW members, who used their collective power to protect each other and their patients. Read it now.
NUHW offering online continuing education courses
Need CE units? Check out our online courses for members in licensed and certified job classifications. Learn more.
News of the Month
Read our roundup of the latest labor and healthcare news from top media outlets.