PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2021
CONTACT: Hal Weiss (213) 247-4585
Rancho Cucamonga Nurses Vote to Form Union
Nurses at Kindred Hospital Rancho will join others in their profession fight for patients and pandemic safety as members of SEIU 121RN.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA—Nurses employed at Kindred Hospital Rancho voted in an overwhelming majority on Wednesday to join SEIU 121RN, a Union that represents registered nurses and other licensed healthcare professionals in California. More than 80 nurses employed at the Hospital will gain Union representation for the first time.
ICU nurse Renee Booth cast the vote as an important victory for both the Nurses and patients.
“I was glad to take part with my co-workers in voting for union representation with SEIU 121RN,” said Booth. “This decision allows the nurses to have a unified voice, which will lead to improvements in quality of patient care, staffing, and fairness in pay and benefits. I look forward to being a part of the positive changes we’ll make together for the good of Kindred as a whole.”
Kulreet Nakai, a nurse in the hospital’s surgery unit, expressed excitement about winning a union—a positive step for young nurses like herself, as well as her more senior co-workers.
“Now, we can look forward to having a say in our working conditions, and there’s no doubt that we’ll make improvements,” Nakai said. “That means we’ll do a better job of attracting new nurses, who seek opportunities for training and growth. And, we’ll be in a better position to retain more experienced nurses. This is a win for everyone.”
“We’re elated to have Kindred Rancho nurses join our ranks,” said SEIU Local 121RN Executive Director Rosanna Mendez. “Together, we’ll continue to raise standards, and we’ll stand on the front lines in the ongoing fight for our patients’ safety. Our voice must be heard to keep our communities safe during public health crises. Each time nurses gain union representation, that voice grows a little bit louder.”
SEIU 121RN represents nurses at four other Kindred Hospitals, in La Mirada, Ontario, Riverside and South Bay. The nurses vote to join the Union must be certified by the National Labor Relations Board, which oversees Union elections.
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SEIU Local 121RN represents registered nurses and other healthcare professionals in California. This member-led organization is committed to supporting optimum working conditions that allow nurses to provide quality patient care and safety