Hospice United represents Nurses, LNAs, Social Workers, Chaplains, Bereavement Coordinators, Volunteers Coordinators, Cooks, and Admin Support in both the McClure Miller Respite House and the community-based team.
“We’re doing this to build a better Hospice,” says Lindsay Gagnon, APRN Hospice Nurse Practitioner. “We deserve fair caseloads, so we can give each patient and family the best care possible at the end of life. We deserve fair pay that reflects the highly skilled and specialized care we provide. We deserve respect and a voice, to ensure every team member has what they need to thrive while doing the work we are so passionate about.”
With a 88% voting yes, this victory marks the establishment of union representation at every one of UVM Health Network’s seven locations.
“At Hospice, we are an interdisciplinary team that supports patients’ mind, body, and spirit. We’re in the field everyday, solo at times, but never alone – creating a web of care that touches every part of our community. Nobody should be left out; it wouldn’t be Hospice without the whole team,” says Nina Thompson, Chaplain.
Nicole DiVita, an Ophthalmic Technician at UVMMC and president for healthcare of AFT Vermont says of this union election, “I am thrilled that Hospice employees now have a real voice in their workplace, and I’m thrilled to welcome them to AFT Vermont. We are the fastest growing union in the state, representing over 11,000 healthcare and higher education professionals, including nurses and health professionals at five Vermont hospitals. In just the last 4 months, over 700 healthcare workers have organized their union and joined AFT Vermont. When healthcare workers have a voice, we raise the standard of care for our whole community.”
The organizing committee was assisted by AFT Vermont Field Rep/Organizers Emma Galvin and Nick Brown. | 
