On Tuesday, October 27, Nurses at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Goleta Valley, and Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital filed for our union election. Today, we're one step closer toward winning the collective power we deserve.

As Nurses, we play a vital role in keeping our patients and our communities safe. For all of them, we must confront the problems that plague our hospital. Over the years, we have seen our workloads increase while we struggle to give our patients the quality of care that they deserve. We have watched our colleagues — all of them good, dedicated Nurses — leave our hospital for better jobs. Management ignores our concerns.

We’re ready for change. We can create the change we need by uniting together with SEIU 121RN.

For A VOICE ON THE JOB — We should have a seat at the table with management, working as equals, to address staffing, respect, our working conditions, and more. In the aftermath of the pandemic, Nurses' voices are more valuable than ever.

For QUALITY CARE — By standing united, we can achieve these goals and endeavor toward a stable, supportive workplace and even better patient care.

For SAFETY — We’re working on the front lines during a challenging era for public health. We deserve to have a say in decisions that will impact our safety, and that of our families and our communities.

For BETTER WAGES — Our wages are inequitable and many of us are paid far below standard. Our raises don’t keep up with the cost of living, and without a Union contract, they aren’t even guaranteed.

For JOB SECURITY — Currently, we are “at-will” employees who can be fired at any time. In addition to "just cause” (due process), we want to keep our jobs!