Hear from Workers >> Kathleen Sharp
Kathleen Sharp | Legacy Good Samaritan
AFT Healthcare NW, Portland, Ore. |
Kathleen Sharp, RN, has been delivering babies at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital & Medical Center in Portland, Ore., since 1979. An experienced and strong nurse, Sharp takes particular joy in making a difference in people’s lives and bringing healthy babies into the world. Nearly three years ago, Sharp and her colleagues decided to form a union at Legacy Good Samaritan. The impetus, she says, were the daily, on-the-job issues such as “nurse-patient ratios, equipment and patient care.” “I want a union so that the people on the front line have input in the process of health care. We’re very stretched. We’re told, ‘You can do more, you can do more’ but we can’t.” The Legacy hospital chain has a history of interfering with workers’ efforts to organize. In past worker campaigns, Legacy hospitals have employed full-time anti-union consultants devoted to making sure that the nurse’s efforts do not result in collective bargaining. In 1991, Legacy’s Mount Hood Medical Center had charges brought against them for worker intimidation tactics. The National Labor Relations Board ruled in favor of the workers. Sharp says she sees no reason why Legacy hospitals should oppose the union. “I don’t understand why organizations are opposed to unions—with a union you have a structured way for things to happen, which is a ‘win-win’ situation for everyone,” she explains. Sharp’s resolve to form a union at Legacy Good Samaritan is unwavering. “It’s a tough day for health care, and I want to change the system before I die,” she says. | 
