3 replies to this topic

[iamaicunurse]

I have added a poll in hoping that I might be able to get some response. I am working on a very tough project for class, and our group is need of opinions for our project. Is it ethical for unionized nurses to go on strike? This is a tough topic which as a RN I understand, but I was hoping for even just a few responses that I may take back to class with me. I truely appreciate any help. Thank you very much

[slavinder]

i think that, personally, the ethical aspect is used as a scape goat to prevent nurses from striking.

In the UK the fire brigade went on strike (not sure of ur ethnicity!) and the army had to step in. Nursing is a job, not an obligation, how can things progress if people dont make a stand - thats the trouble with the nursing profession, in my opinion they put up with the proverbial as everyone seems to accept "thats what its like"

hope this opinion is of some help!

p.s - of course nurses should not be negligable - it needs to be an organised strike like non urgent stuff - mind you perhaps the armyt would have to step in if we all down tooled!!!

[lapwing]

I am not too clear about what you are asking. Perhaps that is because I live in the UK.

Is the question 'should nurses go on strike'? If so, it is an ethical issue, however, I have always believed that it is the right of every individual to withdraw their labour.

Is the question 'should nurses belong to a union'? If so, I regard that as a question of choice.

Is the question 'should there be a closed shop'? I do not believe in forcing anyone to join a union. I should add that I do belong to a union by choice.

Is the question 'should nurses vote to go on strike'? Then they have a right to choose and the answer could be yes or no depending on the vote.

My main concern about your question is that it seems to suggest that only nurses that belong to a union have the right to go on strike. I would say that that could never be true - you have a choice and that could be to withdraw your labour.

In the UK there has been some discussion about using the law to prevent striking by certain groups. In my view that is unacceptable.

Not sure if that answered your question

[iamaicunurse]

We were curious to see if anyone felt that unionized nurses have the right to go on strike for their cause, and if it would be ethical to do so. This topic is one that many are looking at, but difficult to answer.