Letter: Barton nurses ask for fair contract

To the Editor: As Barton nurses, we are at the forefront of the battle to beat COVID-19, and pandemic or not, we always strive to give the best care we can to our patients. We need our community’s support.

Almost three years ago, Barton Hospital’s managerial apathy to the ongoing concerns of Barton’s nurses regarding safety, working conditions, and employee retention compelled us to join the California Nurses Association. Barton immediately hired an expensive union-busting law firm and, as of today, has been successful in denying us the contract we deserve.

We have remained dedicated to our patients despite inadequate personal protective equipment, shortages of needed supplies, and constantly changing protocols. We have put ourselves and our families at serious risk of contracting a disease that has killed more than 900 healthcare workers thus far in the United States.

While the hospital has relied heavily on the loyalty, ingenuity, bravery, and flexibility of its nurses during this pandemic, Barton’s management seems to feel that we are only worthy of empty talk describing us as “heroes.”

If Barton and their lawyers choose to force an unsuitable contract upon us, they will have chosen to exploit our commitment to our patients and to our profession. All we ask for is a fair agreement that recognizes our contributions and allows us to continue contributing to the hospital and our community’s safety and well-being.

Barton’s nurses--NOT the Board of Directors, executive officers or corporate lawyers--will provide care to you and your family. Please stand with us and demand that Barton Memorial Hospital do the right thing for its union nurses and negotiate a fair contract NOW!

Dorothy Dean, RN; Kelli Teteak, RN; Amy Isenhart, RN; Alix Bilek, RN; Kimberly Cramer, RN; Kelly Mileski, RN; Alex Rider, RN; Natalie Reschke, RN; Anna Petersen, RN; Susan Altman, RN; Karen Zlendick, RN; Michelle Hogan, RN; Jenny Webb, RN; Julie McGehee, RN; Carole Taylor, RN; Ashley Heilig, RN; Sandy Meller, RN; Meryl Delorey, RN; Cherie Long, RN; Starlette Robinson, RN; Natalie Johnson, RN; Oliver Rogers, RN; Beth Dameral, RN; Phil Samuelson, RN; Elyse Jones, RN; Tawny Liddel, RN; Simone Aller, RN; Corey Reier, RN; Kelly Fitch, RN; Beth Lampi, RN; Kurtis Lukina, RN; Eric Gower, RN; Chris Shagen, RN; Eric Gower, RN; Dierdre Eustis, RN; Rachael Fruechtl RN; Kat Linder RN; Barbara de Braga, RN; Kate Weaver, RN; Susan Altman, RN; Heidi Fisher, RN; Ashley Daw, RN; Romie Navarro, RN; Candy Barrenchea, RN; Blair Caley, RN; Julie McGhee, RN; Anabelle Villanueva, RN; Brook Ceko, RN; John Truesdell, RN; Tammy McBride, RN; Michelle Flury, RN; Maria Handsaker, RN; Sara Winter, RN; Ryan Weibel, RN; Annie Jadrnicek, RN; Amy Uhl-LaCkore, RN; Laurel Sorensen, RN;