SOLIDARITY: n: community of interests, objectives or standards in a group. Syn.- see unity. Implies oneness, especially of what is varied and diverse in its parts. Implies unity in a group or class that enables it to manifest its strength and exert its influence as one.

As nurses, even within one institution, we are varied and diverse. We work in different specialty areas, we work different shifts, we come from different backgrounds, and we have different lifestyles and personal interests. And yet, we work and speak as one. As members of our MNA bargaining unit, we come together in strength and solidarity.

Members of the MNA committee were elected by the bargaining unit to represent each and all. As a committee we work to improve or correct situations on individual units, with individual nurses, and within the institution as a whole. Each time we encounter a problem, we look at it as a small part of a larger unit. A solution that is good for one person, or one unit, but not good for the rest of the bargaining unit is deemed unacceptable.

Every solution must, in some way, contribute to the betterment of the entire bargaining unit.

Our intent with contract negotiations is to also improve things for all MNA members at BWH. While some proposals may benefit smaller groups within our union, the contract we are working toward will improve conditions for the entire organization. Each gain we make, no matter how small, strengthens our contract. Each benefit that we protect and retain, strengthens our contract. A strong contract is good for all of us.

			We must show management that our diversity is part of our strength.

As members of the bargaining unit, you must also think of the overall effects of a strong contract. In the future, your support will be needed for issues that may not effect you as an individual, but will effect you as a member of the larger group. If we let our personal interests or agendas take precedent over those of the group, then we will be easy targets for division.

As negotiations progress, management will begin subtle initiatives designed to weaken our bonds of strength. Attempts will be made to divide us. You may hear that improving something for one group is unfair to the rest, and you will be encouraged to oppose or speak out against our proposals. Instead, you must think of our contract as a whole. If it is weakened, we are weakened.

Our contract has been built over a period of years. Each improvement adds to and builds on the others. For example, maternity leaves have been granted for years. Then paternity leaves were added, and finally adoptions were included as well – not because so many nurses adopt children, but because it gives us a better contract, one that is fair to all nurses. The result is a stronger contract with better benefits.

Management has tried very hard in the past to divide us. They hope that our diversity will work to their advantage. We must show them that our diversity is part of our strength. As individuals we must embrace our differences, and value the needs of each group or sub-group. By standing together and supporting each other, we multiply our strength. Together, we can get a good, strong contract – one that offers improved economics, job security and working conditions for all of us.