We are committed to Safe Staffing, Patient Care & The Community of Quincy
United Nurses
Of Blessing Hospital
✅ Who Can Join Our Union Efforts - Who Can Join The Union?
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Who can join our Union Efforts? Quick, yet simple answer...EVERYONE can join our efforts and help us!
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Who can sign an A-Card to ask for a Union Vote? This too is a quick and simple answer! EVERYONE at Blessing Hospital can now sign and A-Card! It does not matter if you are an RN, LPN, CNA, Dietary, Maintenance, Janitorial, Lab, Tech, Secretary....anyone can sign and ask for a Union Vote! The more Blessing Hospital Employees band together and sign A-Cards the STRONGER of a voice you will have to make real and lasting changes!
“Fair Pay AND Opportunities. Real Respect. A Voice at Work.
If you’ve ever thought, ‘There HAS to be a better way,’ congratulations — you’re union-material. ✊😎”
Have Questions?? Keep on reading or click here to send us a message!
✅ The Basics
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What is a union? A group of employees who bargain collectively over wages, benefits, and working conditions.
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Why form a union? It gives nurses an equal seat at the table to negotiate safe staffing, improved wages and benefits, fair working conditions, scheduling, and much more—so we can provide the best patient care possible.
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IAM Union Benefits EBS? There are many, many benefits of being a member of the IAM Union. One such benefit would be heavily discounted online college classes that do not tie you to your workplace. Another great benefit would be all the insurance programs we offer. What is a very notable part? Not only do they not tie you to your employer but your whole family can utilize them as well! These particular benefits and more can be found at:
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IAM Union Benefits Union Plus? Through the IAM Union Plus Perks program members can find a whole slew of various benefits, perks and discounts from popular venders such as AT&T, Farmers Insurance, AVIS car rentals, and many more! Members will also find discounts on vacations, hotels, special rates for mortgages and car purchases, and various restaurants just to name a few. You can find more info on these benefits, perks and discounts at:
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IAM Union Employee Assistance Programs? Yes, we have assistance programs as well that many are offered at no cost to IAM Union Members! If you have mental health concerns, addiction, or just everyday stress and want to learn coping techniques, we have programs availble. Want to know what is offered? Clink the link:
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IAM Union Advantage: A website full of information offered specific to IAM Union Members. Click here to learn more:
"Joining a union gives you real job security, rock-solid protections, and a ton of awesome union perks. 💪🔥"
✅ IAM Local 822? Machinists? Who are the people of IAM Local 822?
IAM Local 822 — where workers stand together, fight for fairness, and build a stronger future.
United we rise, divided we fall. Here, every voice matters.
IAM Local 822 is more than a union — it’s a family. Together, we stand up for fairness, protect our rights, and make sure every worker has a voice at the table. We represent members all around the Quincy area at employers such as Knapheide, Hollister Whitney, City of Quincy Central Services and Administration, Amcon Truck Drivers, Quincy Park District, Adams County Courthouse, EMT's at Adams, Hancock and Pike Counties, Quincy Public Library, and many more! Our very own Business Rep Shawn A. represents Hope School Nurses, this shows Local 822 is very diversified and not just "welders and machinists."
At IAM Local 822 we are a part of your community! We live here, raise our families here, and work here locally! We are born and raised right here in the Quincy area! Not only do we live here we also seek medical treatment from Blessing Hospital, we shop at the local stores, and we give back to the community through various donations. When you join IAM Local 822 you will be represented and serviced right here in Quincy. You will have access to the IAM Local 822 meeting hall and offices! Talk about local service!
The pictured here are the current officers of IAM Local 822 that you may see around town!
L-R: Shawn A., Greg V., Rick H., Scott A., Andy G.
✅ The Pinocchio Effect - The Anti-Union Campaign
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Anti-Union Campaigns: What to Expect
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When workers begin organizing, most companies launch expensive anti-union campaigns using fear, confusion, and misinformation. They hire union-busting consultants or law firms to discourage unionization. The anti-union lies grow like Pinocchio's nose!
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"Employers spend more the $400 million per year on "union-avoidance" consultants...so that begs the question: if unions were really bad for workers, why would so many companies invest so heavily in fighting them?"
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✅ The Process
1️⃣ Authorization Cards
Signing a card is not a vote—it simply says: “Yes, I want the chance to vote on union representation.”
2️⃣ NLRB Election
When a majority sign cards, the National Labor Relations Board schedules a secret-ballot election.
A majority of those voting must choose YES for the union to be certified.
3️⃣ Bargaining a Contract
After a successful vote, nurses elect a bargaining committee to negotiate a first contract.
Nothing changes until nurses ratify a contract.
✅ Dues & Costs
💵 Key Points
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No dues are paid until a first contract is approved.
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Dues fund local operations and professional representation.
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Negotiated improvements in wages, staffing, and benefits greatly outweigh the cost of dues.
✅ FICTION VS FACT
FICTION: “The hospital can take away what you have now.”
FACT: Federal law keeps current wages/benefits in place while bargaining occurs. Changes require a nurse-approved contract.
FICTION: “Unionizing will hurt patient care.”
FACT: Union hospitals often have safer staffing levels and better patient outcomes.
FICTION: “Management can punish union supporters.”
FACT: ILLEGAL. Federal law protects your right to organize.
FICTION: “You’ll lose scheduling flexibility.”
FACT: Scheduling is negotiable—nurses decide what goes into the contract.
✅ COMMON QUESTIONS
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Who negotiates?
A bargaining committee elected by their peers will be supported by IAM UNION professional negotiators. -
What can be negotiated?
Wages, scheduling, health insurance, retirement plans, training opportunities, and protective measures to be implemented to uphold nurse and patient safety during staffing shortages. -
What if I like things the way they are?
Your current pay and benefits remain the baseline.
Improvements must be approved by nurses before taking effect.