Sandy Reding, President of the California Nurses Association and Vice President of National Nurses United, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Medicaid cuts, collective bargaining rights for federal workers and immigration raids in hospitals.
Reding highlighted the devastating impact of proposed Medicaid cuts in California's 22nd Congressional District, represented by David Valadao. Despite having the highest share of Medicaid recipients among House Republicans, Valadao voted for a bill that would slash $900 billion in Medicaid funding, potentially leaving 65,000 of his constituents without healthcare, Reding said. The California Nurses Association is actively educating voters about the consequences of these cuts and mobilizing community support to protect healthcare access.
Canceling collective bargaining rights for federal workers, including 16,000 registered nurses represented by National Nurses United, has raised serious concerns about patient care and worker protections. Reding stressed the importance of union contracts in enabling nurses to advocate for their patients without fear of retaliation. She highlighted the collaborative efforts with other unions to restore these rights and ensure quality care for veterans and other federal healthcare recipients. The nurses' commitment to patient advocacy remains unwavering, despite the challenges posed by the loss of collective bargaining rights.
Reding also addressed the alarming issue of immigration raids in hospitals, which violate patient privacy and create a hostile environment for both patients and healthcare workers. She recounted a personal experience at Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital, where ICE agents were present behind the registration desk. Reding and her colleagues took action to protect patient confidentiality and provide resources for undocumented individuals. The union continues to fight for policies that designate hospitals as safe spaces for all patients, regardless of immigration status, emphasizing the critical role of immigrant workers in the healthcare system and broader economy.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about the nurses' ongoing fight for fair pay, patient safety and workers' rights.