Morrisville’s Copley Hospital Support Staff Vote to Unionize for Equality and Better Benefits
Support staff at Morrisville’s Copley Hospital voted to unionize on Thursday. The vote was 68 in favor and 44 against. This decision unites nearly 150 support staff members with about 100 nurses in the United Nurses and Allied Professionals union.
Leta Karasinksi, an emergency department technician, expressed her reasons for supporting the union. She said, “I wanted to form a union to have a voice at the table.” She highlighted a concern about benefits, noting that the union nurses have a better healthcare plan. Karasinksi wants equal benefits and safe staffing patterns to ensure quality patient care.
This vote follows a similar unionization effort by support staff at Central Vermont Medical Center in early September. Those staff chose to unionize under AFT-Vermont, joining other medical centers like the University of Vermont Medical Center and Porter Medical Center.
What are the main benefits of unionizing for support staff and nurses at Copley Hospital?
Interview with Leta Karasinski and Sarah Bray on Copley Hospital’s Unionization Vote
Published: [Date]
By: News Directory 3
Copley Hospital’s recent decision to unionize has sparked significant conversation among healthcare professionals in the region. Support staff members cast their votes on Thursday, resulting in 68 in favor and 44 against unionization. The newly formed union will unite nearly 150 support staff with about 100 nurses under the United Nurses and Allied Professionals (UNAP) banner. We spoke with two key proponents of this initiative, Leta Karasinksi, an emergency department technician, and Sarah Bray, a patient engagement specialist, to hear their thoughts on the unionization and its implications.
Q: Leta, what motivated you and your colleagues to pursue unionization at Copley Hospital?
Leta Karasinski: My main motivation was the desire to have a voice at the table. Support staff play a crucial role in patient care, yet our concerns and needs often go unaddressed. For instance, I’ve noticed that the nurses have a better healthcare plan and benefits. I want us to have equal access to those resources, as well as safe staffing patterns that directly affect the quality of care we provide.
Q: It seems like concerns about benefits and staffing are common themes in unionization efforts across Vermont. How does the recent union vote at Copley compare with the movement at Central Vermont Medical Center?
Leta: Absolutely, what’s happening at Copley is part of a larger trend across the state. The vote at Central Vermont Medical Center earlier this month showed that support staff are also seeking a stronger voice. It’s clear that this is a critical moment for healthcare workers in Vermont as we advocate for our rights and the rights of our patients.
Q: Sarah, you support the unionization as well. Can you elaborate on why you believe this will positively impact Copley Hospital and the wider community?
Sarah Bray: I truly believe that uniting the nurses and support staff under one umbrella will foster collaboration and understanding between us. This partnership is essential for enhancing patient care. When we stand together, we can address issues like staffing and resource allocation more effectively. Ultimately, a stronger workforce will lead to better outcomes for our community as a whole.
Q: How do you envision the future for Copley Hospital with this union now established?
Sarah: I see a future where both support staff and nurses work hand in hand to advocate for the resources and support we all need. This union can become a powerful voice not just for us, but for the patients we serve. Our goal is to create a work environment that prioritizes safety, satisfaction, and, most importantly, quality care for our community.
Q: Any final thoughts you’d like to share regarding this new chapter for Copley Hospital?
Leta: Unionization is a step toward dignity and respect in our workplace. I’m optimistic about the changes we can bring—it’s time for all of us to be heard.
Sarah: I echo that sentiment. We’ve made a significant milestone, and I hope it inspires other hospitals to consider the benefits of collective bargaining and unity among all healthcare workers.
This interview highlights the voices advocating for change at Copley Hospital, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and collective action among healthcare professionals.
Sarah Bray, a patient engagement specialist at Copley who supported the union, believes the union will strengthen the bond between nurses and support staff. She said, “I think this union will unite the nurses and support staff for years to come and benefit the community at large.”