WELCOME to the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals

The Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (WFNHP) is affiliated with AFT Healthcare, the national healthcare division of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

WFNHP is a democratically run labor union of health professionals, committed to the growth and empowerment of its membership and all healthcare workers.  WFNHP seeks to secure optimal working conditions and professional development for its members, while playing a leadership role in establishing high standards of clinical practice and patient care.

Are you on Facebook? Want to be among the first to hear about WFNHP activities, campaigns and events? Follow WFNHP on Facebook. Click here to become a WFNHP fan on Facebook now...

Thank you to everyone who took the time to call their Milwaukee County Supervisors! Your voices were heard loud and clear. On Wednesday, November 18th, the Milwaukee County Board voted to override Scott Walker's vetoes to the Day Treatment Program, Community Support Program and Targeted Case Management. Follow link for results of the vote...

On Friday, November 13th, all St. Francis Hospital bargaining units (RN, Tech and Service) ratified new two-year contracts by an 80% margin. Follow link for more details...

Show your friends and family that you care about supporting good jobs, good wages and a healthy economy. Buy UNION this holiday season! Buy UNION Week is November 27th through December 6th. You can find great union-made-in-the-USA gifts at the Union Shop Online.

Check out our WFNHP members whose photos from the November 5th healthcare reform call-in day made the national AFL-CIO NOW blog! Follow link for more information on how you can vote for your favorite WFNHP photo...

We regret to inform you that VA Local 5032 nurse, Capt. Russell Seager, NP in Primary Care at the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, was among the fatalities in the Fort Hood shooting last week. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, friends and co-workers. We will share further information regarding memorials as it is made available by his family.

Read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article regarding Kari Held, a long time Occupational Therapist for the Day Treatment Program at Milwaukee County Behavioral Health, whose job was in jeopardy as a result of the proposed budget cuts. Follow link to read the article reprinted from the November 9, 2009 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel...

Some members have asked questions about the status of the contract. The contract is signed and approved and is due to arrive from the printer this week. You can expect to receive your copy of the new contract from your union rep later this week. Follow link for further details...

On October 28, 2009, our union and Milwaukee County reached an agreement that excludes all WFNHP members from the furlough plan. That means NO FURLOUGHS for our union members. Instead of some members losing 32 hours of pay, all members will accrue only 4 hours on the next minor holiday (which should be Veterans Day). Part time employees will have the time pro-rated. This reduction from 8 hours to 4 hours is for this year only, and only for the one minor holiday. Follow link for further details...

For nearly 20 years, unionists in Wisconsin have been trying to make the teaching of labor history in the schools a reality. Finally, a state law which would make that happen passed. On Tuesday, October 27, the State Senate passed AB172, which calls for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to include the history of organized labor and the collective bargaining process in the state's model academic standards for our schools.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced the final licensing approval for the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine. A limited amount of vaccine will be available for distribution as early as October 2nd.

The AFT executive council unanimously passed a resolution on Oct. 14 strongly opposing mandatory seasonal and H1N1 influenza immunization, and instead, encouraging members to weigh the risks and benefits of flu vaccinations and make their own informed decisions. The union also encouraged employers to develop comprehensive pandemic flu plans.

As the nation braces for a predicted surge in cases of H1N1 flu this fall, healthcare workers are concerned about whether their facilities are prepared for the challenge. Follow link for more information...

Contact your state legislators and urge them to support the legislation to end the dangerous practice of mandatory overtime for Wisconsin's healthcare workers.

We want to hear from you. Visit AFT Voices to share your opinion on the challenges you face in the workplace by answering our new survey question posted on the site.  Plus read comments from fellow members.  Current AFT Healthcare Question: Will mandated staffing ratios in hospitals improve or impede patient care?