GROWING OUR POWER—A STATEWIDE DUES ADJUSTMENT

All of this takes resources. And it has become clear that our current resource base doesn’t give us what we need to keep moving forward. We need the financial resources to make sure we can meet the challenges of the day and accomplish our goals going forward. There’s no such thing as standing still.

Current PASNAP Dues Structure

• 1% gross pay capped at $71.00 for RN per month (on average)

• 1% gross pay capped at $55.00 for Pros and Techs per month (on average)

At 1% with an annual cap, PASNAP dues are among the lowest of any healthcare union. Throughout our history, we’ve not only been one of the more aggressive unions in the country, but we’ve also been one of the most efficient—we’ve done more with less. Our last adjustment in dues occurred 10 years ago.

The adjustment we are proposing will make our structure more fair. All members would eventually pay the same percentage. At the same time, it will put us in a solid position in terms of our resources for the foreseeable future.

PASNAP Executive Board

Resolution for a Statewide Dues Adjustment:

“Butler has been part of PASNAP for about 20 years. In that time, we have had some of the best contracts ever—in fact, we’ve set standards for the Western part of PA. But for us to be able to achieve more, PASNAP needs to grow in the west, and raising the dues to 1.2% will provide resources that will enable us to do that by organizing more facilities. Eventually lifting the cap will ensure that all members are at the same percentage level. PASNAP will continue to function with the lowest dues rates compared to other unions, but that extra 0.2% will give us the resources we need for growth!”

—TAMMY MAY, RN, President, Pennsylvania Independent Nurses (at Butler Memorial Hospital) and PASNAP Executive Board Member at Large

“As we reflect on the 20+ years of PASNAP, the continued work that has been done, the dues increase is what is needed. This is about the power of PASNAP. This is about the building and the continuation of this strong Union. Our proposal phases in the increases to the cap over a number of years so that no one will see too large of an increase at any one time.”

—PHYLLIS BROWN, RN, TUHNA Member at Large and PASNAP Executive Board Member at Large

We are therefore proposing a dues increase of 0.2% (an increase of 2/10ths of a percent, moving from current 1% to 1.2%) with the monthly cap increasing for RNs by a maximum of $14 per month in July 2023, then increasing by a maximum $20 each year for 2 years, then a similar increase in 2027, and finally eliminating the cap in 2029. For Allied Professionals, the monthly cap would increase by a maximum of $11 in July 2023, then increase by a maximum of $15 each year for 2 years, then a similar increase in 2027, and finally eliminating the cap in 2029. Once the cap is eliminated, all union members would pay the same 1.2%.

This proposal will be discussed at membership meetings at every local over the next month, and then voted on at our yearly statewide House of Delegates convention. If approved, it would go into effect on July 1st of this year, 2023.

“We are only as strong as the organization that supports us. If we don’t invest in PASNAP, PASNAP won’t be able to run with the efficiency and success we have come to expect and rely on. An investment in PASNAP is an investment in ourselves.”

—SHANNAN GIAMBRONE, RN, President, Suburban General Nurses’ Association and PASNAP Executive Board Secretary

PASNAP in the House!

The gains we made in Harrisburg in 2022—the electoral changes that made a shift in our prospects possible— were a testament to the many hours we invested in screening candidates, in lobbying for our bills in Harrisburg, and in phone-banking and door-knocking to get out the vote. But now’s not the time to rest on our laurels—not when we’re so close. We have to continue to lobby hard to get our bills to a vote.

Check your email, texts, social media, and PASNAP PULSE (our new e-newsletter) for news on all the ways you can make your voice heard— including by attending a springtime Lobby Day! IT’S LIKELY TO BE TUESDAY, MAY 9TH. SAVE THE DATE!

Become a Political and Community Outreach Chair!

As momentum continues to build toward legislative movement in Harrisburg, we need your activism and enthusiasm! If you’re interested in becoming a Political and Community Outreach Chairperson (PCOC) at your local, please contact your local president to let them know. The PCOC is a leadership role where you would lead engagement with elected officials and community members on behalf of your local and build strong alliances and support outside the hospital and broader community. It’s a lot of fun, and you can make a huge difference for your colleagues and your patients.