Unions Are Getting Into Position To Organize Houston-area Nurses

As labor unions struggle to reverse a trend of declining membership, several have identified the health care industry as an inviting target. While manufacturing jobs have steadily dwindled, hospitals, nursing homes and clinics employ plenty of potential union members. Unlike those in the manufacturing sector, these jobs are unlikely to be eliminated and cannot be outsourced.

Thus, the Service Employees International Union and the California Nurses Association, among others, have refined their messages, formed new alliances and embraced innovative tactics in attempts to attract new members. They are also honing in on relatively untapped markets, such as Texas' health care industry.

This article appeared in the Health Care Report in the September 28-October 4, 2007 issue of the Houston Business Journal.