Liz Hawkins

Dear Union Brothers and Sisters,

I have been a Registered Nurse for 38 years, working the major of my career in the Emergency Department (ED). My first 5 years were at a non-union community hospital where I experienced first-hand all the problems that go with having no Contract, no voice, and no rights. I have now been a proud member of UNAC/UHCP for 33 years. I have a long history of nursing and union leadership. I have developed into a strong, knowledgeable, well-rounded, nurse and leader because of my experiences as an: Emergency and Critical Care Nurse; House Supervisor; Rapid Response Nurse (developing program at its genesis); Charge Nurse; Delegate at many AFSCME, NUHHCE, and UNAC/UHCP Conventions; UBT Co-Lead & Sponsor; Contract Specialist; Riverside Affiliate Officer; Staff Representative for the Baldwin Park service area; and your current your UNAC/UHCP State Secretary. I know UNAC/UHCP and nursing history. I know the Kaiser system very well and have also experienced working at an independent community hospital. I have been part of change and innovation as well as planning for our union’s future. I was instrumental in developing the Kaiser ED Ratios and worked to get them into our contract. I was involved in the regional grievance/issue resolution team that addressed workload issues for our Kaiser Home Care RN’s. I helped bargain the ED Nurse training program that rolled out in KP SCAL. I work very closely with our affiliate leaders, assisting them with the training and development needed to lead and run your local unions. Lastly, I am a UNAC/UCHP member advocate, fighting against Workplace Violence, testifying at Cal-OSHA hearings, and walking many picket lines with you. I am a planner, I put things into action, I get things done, and I will continue to work hard for all of you.