How an RN Chapter Works

Each health care institution elects Delegates who serve as the liaison between 1199 RN members, the Union headquarters and management. Trained to handle member grievances and interpret contract language, Delegates also lead mobilization drives to educate and organize members. They serve three-year terms. An institution has one Delegate to every 25 members. In addition, each institution is serviced by an Organizer who coordinates activities in a number of chapters: recruitment, training, supervision, contract negotiations, arbitrations.

1199 recognizes that an RN chapter is strong when its rank-and-file members are empowered about their rights. And the key to a strong chapter is a strong Delegates body.

Each RN chapter meets regularly as one body, with representation from all units and shifts. An RN Council, composed of two nurses from each institution, also meets monthly to discuss nursing practices, issues and trends. The RN Council is an advisory body while the Delegates Assembly sets policies. Full and free discussions of all issues affecting the life of Union members and their Union are conducted at chapter, Delegate, and RN Council meetings. RN rank-and-file members belong to the Union's highest policy making body — the Executive Council. Members approve all contracts through secret ballot voting. At each chapter, committees of staff nurses are created to enforce provisions of their contract. Typically, the committees include:

Labor-Management Committee — composed of equal numbers of staff nurses and nurses managers, committee members resolve issues on staffing levels, posting and filling of vacancies, grievance procedures, and other matters.

Professional Practice Committee — chosen group of RN staff and managers recommend practices to improve quality of patient care, job design, professional growth, team work.
Child Care Fund — financed by management contributions, RNs in this committee help coordinate day care, after school , summer camp and cultural programs for their children.

Health & Safety Committee — an equal number of union and employer representatives advise in promoting safe workplace practices.