Question

Mandatory overtime and reduction in RN staff have resulted in decreased client satisfaction and a sentinel event. Management is unwilling to discuss a change in staffing, and collective bargaining interest is sparked. A nurse is approached to sign a union authorization card. If signed, the card:

a. authorizes the union to serve as his or her legal representative.

b. indicates that the person is requesting additional information about collective bargaining.

c. indicates the nurse desires to share information about grievances.

d. gives permission for union dues to be deducted from pay.

Answer 1

By signing a union authorization card, a nurse authorizes the union to act as their legal representative for collective bargaining. The interest in forming unions can rise in reaction to workplace issues, although some workers might feel less need for unions due to protective labor laws.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse is approached to sign a union authorization card, and by signing the card, it generally authorizes the union to serve as the nurse's legal representative in collective bargaining negotiations. This is part of a process where a group of workers can express their interest in forming a union, which can then lead to an official election to decide whether or not the union will be officially recognized. The procedures for forming a union, like collective bargaining strategies, can result in a vote by the firm's employees, as seen in the United States, or by a certain percentage of workers signing an official card, as typically occurs in Canada.

The decline in the number of union workers may also be influenced by laws that protect workers, making some feel less need for unions. However, in situations where management is unresponsive to workers' concerns, as with mandatory overtime and cuts in RN staff leading to decreased client satisfaction and sentinel events, interest in collective bargaining may be renewed.