Behind the Research

Our NNU Research Book is a 90-page compilation of public statements, interviews, news reports, social media posts, and online reviews from nurses and former staff of National Nurses United and its state affiliates. It doesn't rely on outside critics. It documents what nurses, union reps, and former employees are saying in their own words. Here are the three findings that matter most.

Nurses say the union isn't run by nurses. Rank-and-file members who ran for NNU leadership on the "Shift Change" slate describe a union that is "fundamentally undemocratic," "very top down," and "driven by the staff." They point to bylaw changes since 2017 that created a four-person Council of Presidents with "near absolute authority." Those changes also removed term limits for elected officers and let the Board remove any elected nurse leader. The slate also alleges its candidates were threatened with arrest outside a union meeting and blocked from normal communications.

Members say their dues are going to politics, not the bedside. Shift Change candidates argue that NNU's focus shifted from fighting for nurses to lobbying and endorsing politicians. One said most dues are "being used to lobby for politicians and to beg us to donate to a political action campaign." The research book shows nurses reacting to this in real time. Members pushed back on the Tom Steyer endorsement and "abolish ICE" messaging, and one asked, "Why do you feel the need to tell me how to vote?"

Nurses accuse union leaders of failing them when it counted. Nurses at New York-Presbyterian say NYSNA President Nancy Hagans pushed them to accept a tentative agreement within 24 hours instead of the 72 hours the bylaws call for. They also say she disregarded their local leadership. Many commenters have called for her to step down or be voted out. In California, Alta Bates nurse leaders alleged that CNA staff approved a contract extension without telling the bargaining team and pushed a deal with concessions, including a two-tier pension, over the team's unanimous objections. They later wrote to CNA's board accusing staff of colluding with Sutter management.

Nurses deserve a union that answers to them. Read the full NNU Research Book here.

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