NLRB ruling on status of nursing supervisors

Re “U.S. Ruling Could Eliminate Union Eligibility for Millions,” Oct. 4

As a registered nurse with more than 35 years at the bedside, I applaud the decision that permanent charge nurses have a supervisory role. Contrary to the assertions being made by California Nurses Assn. Executive Director Rose Ann DeMoro, this is good for nursing. Why? For too long, charge nurses have had all the responsibilities of a manager without being recognized as such by nurses and hospital administrators alike.

I also was impressed that the National Labor Relations Board drew a distinction between the permanent and the rotating charge nurse, ruling that the latter is not a supervisor and therefore is entitled to unionization rights. The board members were thorough in their decision and based it on management principles rather than on political whim.

GENEVIeVE M. CLAVREUL RN

Pasadena

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The contempt that the Republican-controlled labor board has for organized labor is without measure. It’s sickening to think that by reclassifying someone as a supervisor, that person could be separated and silenced from the ranks of other workers you served with and mentored. It would be like separating parents from their children. What is the value in that, if not to weaken and end that relationship?

MICHAEL J. RANGEL

Los Angeles