Two more days on the line

I have been a litle tired lately and have found it hard to blog every day.  Instead of blogging on line, I have been "blobbing" off line with Ben & Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch.

On Wednesday we had a reminder of how much the patients miss the regular staff.  One patient's wife from T2 (TICU - Transitional Intensive Care Unit 2) reported to the union that her husband had a reaction to IL2 (interleukin-2).  The wives and loved ones of chronically ill patinets know the safety protocols.  She knew her husband should have had vital signs every 2 hours but the replacement staff only took one set in 8 hours!!!

She recognized the regular aide on the picket line and came by to offer her support.  With the aging population and technological advances for serious illnesses, hospials get return visits from patients.  They remember the regular staff and learn the protocals and procedures we perform.  They want us back inside and know the hospital is not performing business as usual.

Our fellow striker, David, amused us with his theory of the 4 components of management.
1) We don't know
2) We don't care
3) You figure it out
4) Blame the guy at the bottom

We still laughing about the truth & abusrdity of that analysis.

On Thursday we pulled the rug out from under management.  Some union carpet installers came to cross our line and lay down a new carpet in the hospital.

Two CPMC strikers approached the carpet people and explained  the situation.  Instead of rolling out the Red Carpet for the Bosses, the fellow union people chose to roll up and roll on.

Among the several people who signed the petition at the front of the Pacific Campus was Richard an older retired --self described "Union Man"--who donated $20 to the strike fund.  He had a great sense of humor and gave us a "Get Out of Hell Free Card" just like the Monopoly card.

And yes, We are still on the Tour.  The fake cable car motor coach brought more tourists to see our strike.  The driver told them how many weeks we had been on strike and urged us strikers to not give up.  Only in San Francisco!!!

Hospitals are set in communities.  The Community is their Market.  Sutter does not understand San Franciscans.  Just because they have friends in Pacific Heights doesn't mean they know the rest of the city.  Defeating the workers would be a Phyrric Victory.  But they don't need to worry, We're going to Win!!!

C'mon Sutter, Just Say Yes!!!

-- Tom

Comments

[Steve]

First, Sister [and brothers], courage! When the people you once cared for miss your presence, you know your cause is righteous and that your bravery is virtuous. I'm a man who's moved down and down..the next stop is living in my truck, but at least I have a truck and I have my dignity as a worker. If I could send you food and laughter and warmth and wine, I would. But all I have is these few verses from an old union hymn about a murdered and slandered union organizer, Joe Hill :

And standing there as big as life,
And smiling with his eyes
Joe says "What they forgot to kill
|: Went on to organise." :|

"Joe Hill ain't dead" he says to me,
"Joe Hill ain't never died
Where workingmen are out on strike
|: Joe Hill is at their side." :|

From San Diego up to Maine,
In every mine and mill,
Where workers strike and organise,
|: Says he "You'll find Joe Hill

Remember: you are part of the strong, unbroken chain that unites more than a hundred years of workers facing down greedy bosses.... be proud, look to the past in order to see your future... dream the dream and live it on the picket line. Sleep well, brothers and sisters.

Yours in solidarity,

Steve Woodring [not yet sleeping in his truck]

[Thivai]

Thank you everyone for sharing your stories--you are an inspiration. May you stay strong and persevere.

In solidarity from Kentucky and spreading the word.

[emily stone]

i am moved by the support and comments from all over the united states. thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
sincerely
emily stone
uhw west striking worker

[laddy]

Solidarity from far away!

http://mydd.com/story/2005/10/24/204712/64

[Gregg Libbey]

Dear Union Brothers and Sisters;

Just a note to tell you how proud I am of you all. It's so hard to stand up for what's right when few in the outside world seem to care, but when Unions "win" we all win. As the President of local 1376 of the American Postal Workers Union, Suffolk, Virginia, I want you to know we stand with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your families and communities too. We know Union members are Fathers and Mothers,Little League coaches and Den Mothers, Sunday school teachers and Neighborhood watch leaders. We ARE the fabric of this great Nation and all we ask for is a living wage, decent working conditions and respect as human beings. Just the fact that we have to ask for these things that seem so obvious is a testament to how far we have yet to go before we fully reach the promise of this wonderful home we call our own, America. My hope is that just for a moment these words will lighten your load as you continue the struggle, "our struggle".

Peace be with you all

Gregg Libbey

[Jeremy]

I grew up in West Virginia and have always had the utmost respect for the coal miners who went on strike for safer working conditions.

It is because of the ordeal they went through that I never cross a picket line.

My thoughts are with you all and I wish you the best of luck.

[Manteo]

Best of luck and solidarity from Brooklyn, NY. Word is spreading. You are the backbone of America, and America supports you.

Stay strong,
Manteo

[Sephia Nava]

I would like to say that, even though i may not be in the ranks of the union anymore, i believe in what you are striking for and you have my support. My prayers are with you all and never give up hope,,,I may not be a Union member anymore, But its in my heart!!!Huggsssss to All..
Past L250 Member-Sephia Nava

[Audra]

Sephia! How great to hear from you! Thanks for standing with us!

Audra