Every worker deserves to be appreciated, especially by their union. Members of the Baltimore County Federation of Public Health Nurses (BCFPHN), Local 5102, felt the love from their union at their worksites during National Nurses Week 2023. AFT-Maryland President Kenya Campbell along with AFT-Maryland organizer Janell Edmonds visited public health centers across Baltimore county delivering gifts that represented tokens of appreciation from the members’ union and the state federation.
President Campbell enjoyed visiting the worksites and talking with nurses. “I love getting out in the community and engaging with members. Our members are the backbone of our state and local governments. It was my pleasure to be with the nurses in Baltimore county to offer a token of appreciation on behalf of their union and the state federation,” Campbell said. Nurses were excited to see President Campbell as well. At the worksite, members struck up conversation about the recently ratified contract and chatted about everything BCFPHN and AFT-Maryland are working on for nurses.
“In so many cases many of our support mechanisms in place for nurses are behind the scenes. They’re there, but only when we actively go after them for support. The union fortunately does not do that. They show up, they provide support as needed whenever, wherever we ask for it. But they also take time to come out and see us even when we don’t ask for it,” said Scott Hale, a registered nurse with the Baltimore County Health Department and BCFPHN member. Hale went on to say “this week is really special, we really appreciate what they’re doing for us. It really helps lift the spirits that provide for morale, and helps us know that we’re appreciated with the work that we do everyday.”
Members of BCFPHN work at public health centers and in communities across the county. Staff dropped off tokens of appreciation to members working in health centers in Woodlawn, Dundalk, Rosedale, Randallstown, and Towson, just to name a few locations. The worksite visits also provided an opportunity for updating and informing members. While at the worksites, staff engaged potential members with information about the union and benefits of joining the union. They were aided by the enthusiastic support for the union among members working at the health clinics.
