The California Society of Radiologic Technologists (CSRT) has tabled its proposal to become a union for the state’s 24,000 certified RTs. The society instead is deciding to emphasize more basic needs, such as increasing membership and installing a legislative lobbyist in Sacramento.
The CSRT began mulling the possibility of providing collective bargaining services last year, when RTs complained that their voices were not being heard by existing union representatives. In many parts of the state, RTs are part of collective bargaining units that include food service and housekeeping.
"We’re on the fence right now," said Annemarie Sundquist, CSRT president and an imaging manager at Sharp Healthcare in San Diego. "There is real controversy because these people are looking to us, a professional association, to upgrade them to a more professional status."
The issue is complicated by the fact that serving as a union would cause the CSRT to lose its status as a nonprofit organization, Sundquist said. Moreover, it’s questionable whether a union focused on workplace negotiation, or a membership society that works toward promoting the profession at the state and national levels, would better serve RTs, she added.
While workplace issues are important, the bigger problem is the lack of a unified voice among state RTs, she said. With just under 600 members, the CSRT has little clout in the Capitol.
"I don’t have 24,000 people backing me when I speak in Sacramento or Washington, DC," Sundquist said. "Until we overcome that burden, I don’t know how we could possibly venture into a discussion about union organization."
The RTs' lack of clout is starkly illustrated in a newly imposed continuing education requirement passed by the radiological branch of the state department of health services. Effective October 1, CRTs are required to obtain 24 hours of continuing education every two years as a condition of licensure. The rules were passed without input from RTs or the CSRT, Sundquist said. Moreover, the state has yet to inform RTs of the new requirement.
"This issue demonstrates that California RTs need a strong organization that can communicate and educate about legislative issues," she said. "Workforce and workplace issues are important. If we are organized -- if we had even 5,000 members -- we could have a lobbyist in Sacramento and be able to keep on top of everything that is happening."
By Deborah R. DakinsAuntMinnie.com contributing writer
November 21, 2002
Related Reading
Professional group bolsters RT image with education, legislation, November 8, 2002
Radiology extenders -- the answer to the RT personnel shortage?, September 19, 2002
RT updates: JRCERT extends deadline; CSRT ponders representation, October 31, 2001
California certified RTs ponder pros, cons of unionizing, September 13, 2001
Copyright © 2002 AuntMinnie.com
