Why did you start NVPU?
NVPU first began as the Pacific Veterinary Professionals Union (PVPU). After a short period of time, we recognized both a national need and desire for organization and representation within the veterinary industry. Historically veterinary technicians and other staff members have been undervalued and underutilized by their employers, and in many states, veterinary technicians have no title protection. Society understands only a fraction of our various roles in the veterinary hospital. Our wages and benefits often have us looking for a second, or even third job in order to make ends meet. Also, our counterparts in human medicine are unionized and have benefited greatly from it.
What can NVPU do for me?
The job of NVPU is to organize all of us to help us all collectively bargain and negotiate for better wages and benefits, safer working conditions, and more workplace support through a legal and binding contract. NVPU would then stand ready to enforce that contract and to represent you when you encounter day-to-day problems with your employer. By joining together in a union, you and your co-workers have the collective strength to make sure you get decent contracts and fair treatment on the job. Your right to join or form a union is guaranteed by federal law under the National Labor Relations Act, which is enforced by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Who can join NVPU?
This union was created for all members of the veterinary support team: credentialed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, customer care representatives, receptionists, and any others working in the animal care profession.
My boss says if I’m in a union I can’t negotiate for myself; is that true?
Absolutely not. We are striving to make this union a safe place for everyone in veterinary medicine. Any union you create will be YOUR union made up of you and your coworkers. You will dictate the terms of the contract negotiations; you will vote on any contracts. The union is all of us working together. Union decisions are made democratically — by members, not "bosses." With representation, you will have a fair system for promotions and job assignments rather than one that's subject to arbitrary management decisions or favoritism. Finally, a shop steward, who will be one of your coworkers, can help you talk to management if you need or want them to, but it's by no means required.
As we grow we will have representatives that you can reach out to with any questions, comments, or concerns you have. We want to hear from you, and we want to empower you to ask your employer for benefits you deserve.
My friend says that unions protect lazy workers; is that true?
It is not the intention of NVPU to make anyone’s working life more difficult than veterinary medicine already is. Being a member of a union does not protect anyone from being fired for poor job performance. While this is a complaint often leveled at unions, allowing “laziness” in the workplace is more about the culture of the practice and workplace than about union membership. The union is all of us united and working together for common goals and safe and successful practices.
What happens if we have to strike? I’m worried about patient care.
Only union members can decide whether or not to strike, by a majority vote done by secret ballot. Strikes are the ‘nuclear option’ for a union: they are a hardship for everyone involved. In reality, fewer than 2% of contract negotiations across the country lead to strikes. If a strike is necessary, careful planning to avoid disruptions to patient care must be taken including adequate notice and working with management to establish emergency care plans.
What will unionization mean for smaller, private veterinary practices?
The majority of veterinary health professionals are employed by smaller private practices that may feel that positive progressive change is something out of reach for them. If all veterinary facilities do not accept a burden of ethical responsibility for their employees, then their patients will suffer the consequences of poor patient care due to inadequate veterinary professional to patient ratios, poor and ineffective staff recruitment and retention, employee bullying, workplace health and safety issues, etc. By creating a union, we hope to bring the industry into alignment and level the playing field by making sure everyone is playing the same game. Remember: unionization can only take place if a majority of the employees vote to unionize. If your employer is equitable, fair, transparent, and open, the likelihood of unionization is very remote.
How much will NVPU’s dues be?
This is still to be determined, but we all know that one of the biggest hurdles we face as veterinary staff members is low wages. Our goal is to keep dues as low as possible so that this union will be a viable resource for anyone who wishes to join it. As of Jan 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), union members made, on average, 15% more than non-union workers. The improvements in pay and benefits that can come with union membership will more than offset the dues members pay – plus union members are often treated better in the workplace. Finally, no one pays dues until they've voted to approve a first contract.
My boss says we’re not allowed to form a union; is that true?
Employers will say almost anything to keep you from joining or forming a union and with good reason. If you have a union, you have a voice in the decisions that affect you, your job, and your family. The truth is that labor unions are a vital part of any democracy and union membership may be the only way many working people can exercise any control in their workplace. The proof is indisputable - unionized workers in our country enjoy superior benefits and wages that are higher than non-unionized workers.
What is the long-term vision of NVPU?
Our long-term vision is guided by our values: Safety, Fairness, Advocacy, Accountability, and Equity. We hope to establish safe workplaces for team members and patients; fair pay and treatment from management; empowerment of non-DVM, non-management members of the veterinary healthcare team; and accountability at all levels of veterinary practice. We strive to follow this vision by allowing voices from all veterinary support team members on an equal basis.
I want to help! How can I be involved in NVPU?
Reach out! To us, to your team members, to your community. We are always looking for feedback on what issues within the workplace need to be addressed. Talk amongst yourselves, spread the word, let us know how we can best represent you. Also let your community know what your role is at work! When society knows our roles and the value we bring to veterinary medicine we will be in a better position to negotiate for the wages and benefits we deserve.
We also have an Affiliate Member program for those workers who are unable to create or join a bargaining unit.
Interested in leadership opportunities? We are currently recruiting people interested in running for election to our Executive Board. You can find more information HERE.
More Resources:
7 Reasons You Should Join A Union
NVPU first began as the Pacific Veterinary Professionals Union (PVPU). After a short period of time, we recognized both a national need and desire for organization and representation within the veterinary industry. Historically veterinary technicians and other staff members have been undervalued and underutilized by their employers, and in many states, veterinary technicians have no title protection. Society understands only a fraction of our various roles in the veterinary hospital. Our wages and benefits often have us looking for a second, or even third job in order to make ends meet. Also, our counterparts in human medicine are unionized and have benefited greatly from it.
What can NVPU do for me?
The job of NVPU is to organize all of us to help us all collectively bargain and negotiate for better wages and benefits, safer working conditions, and more workplace support through a legal and binding contract. NVPU would then stand ready to enforce that contract and to represent you when you encounter day-to-day problems with your employer. By joining together in a union, you and your co-workers have the collective strength to make sure you get decent contracts and fair treatment on the job. Your right to join or form a union is guaranteed by federal law under the National Labor Relations Act, which is enforced by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Who can join NVPU?
This union was created for all members of the veterinary support team: credentialed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, customer care representatives, receptionists, and any others working in the animal care profession.
My boss says if I’m in a union I can’t negotiate for myself; is that true?
Absolutely not. We are striving to make this union a safe place for everyone in veterinary medicine. Any union you create will be YOUR union made up of you and your coworkers. You will dictate the terms of the contract negotiations; you will vote on any contracts. The union is all of us working together. Union decisions are made democratically — by members, not "bosses." With representation, you will have a fair system for promotions and job assignments rather than one that's subject to arbitrary management decisions or favoritism. Finally, a shop steward, who will be one of your coworkers, can help you talk to management if you need or want them to, but it's by no means required.
As we grow we will have representatives that you can reach out to with any questions, comments, or concerns you have. We want to hear from you, and we want to empower you to ask your employer for benefits you deserve.
My friend says that unions protect lazy workers; is that true?
It is not the intention of NVPU to make anyone’s working life more difficult than veterinary medicine already is. Being a member of a union does not protect anyone from being fired for poor job performance. While this is a complaint often leveled at unions, allowing “laziness” in the workplace is more about the culture of the practice and workplace than about union membership. The union is all of us united and working together for common goals and safe and successful practices.
What happens if we have to strike? I’m worried about patient care.
Only union members can decide whether or not to strike, by a majority vote done by secret ballot. Strikes are the ‘nuclear option’ for a union: they are a hardship for everyone involved. In reality, fewer than 2% of contract negotiations across the country lead to strikes. If a strike is necessary, careful planning to avoid disruptions to patient care must be taken including adequate notice and working with management to establish emergency care plans.
What will unionization mean for smaller, private veterinary practices?
The majority of veterinary health professionals are employed by smaller private practices that may feel that positive progressive change is something out of reach for them. If all veterinary facilities do not accept a burden of ethical responsibility for their employees, then their patients will suffer the consequences of poor patient care due to inadequate veterinary professional to patient ratios, poor and ineffective staff recruitment and retention, employee bullying, workplace health and safety issues, etc. By creating a union, we hope to bring the industry into alignment and level the playing field by making sure everyone is playing the same game. Remember: unionization can only take place if a majority of the employees vote to unionize. If your employer is equitable, fair, transparent, and open, the likelihood of unionization is very remote.
How much will NVPU’s dues be?
This is still to be determined, but we all know that one of the biggest hurdles we face as veterinary staff members is low wages. Our goal is to keep dues as low as possible so that this union will be a viable resource for anyone who wishes to join it. As of Jan 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), union members made, on average, 15% more than non-union workers. The improvements in pay and benefits that can come with union membership will more than offset the dues members pay – plus union members are often treated better in the workplace. Finally, no one pays dues until they've voted to approve a first contract.
My boss says we’re not allowed to form a union; is that true?
Employers will say almost anything to keep you from joining or forming a union and with good reason. If you have a union, you have a voice in the decisions that affect you, your job, and your family. The truth is that labor unions are a vital part of any democracy and union membership may be the only way many working people can exercise any control in their workplace. The proof is indisputable - unionized workers in our country enjoy superior benefits and wages that are higher than non-unionized workers.
What is the long-term vision of NVPU?
Our long-term vision is guided by our values: Safety, Fairness, Advocacy, Accountability, and Equity. We hope to establish safe workplaces for team members and patients; fair pay and treatment from management; empowerment of non-DVM, non-management members of the veterinary healthcare team; and accountability at all levels of veterinary practice. We strive to follow this vision by allowing voices from all veterinary support team members on an equal basis.
I want to help! How can I be involved in NVPU?
Reach out! To us, to your team members, to your community. We are always looking for feedback on what issues within the workplace need to be addressed. Talk amongst yourselves, spread the word, let us know how we can best represent you. Also let your community know what your role is at work! When society knows our roles and the value we bring to veterinary medicine we will be in a better position to negotiate for the wages and benefits we deserve.
We also have an Affiliate Member program for those workers who are unable to create or join a bargaining unit.
Interested in leadership opportunities? We are currently recruiting people interested in running for election to our Executive Board. You can find more information HERE.
More Resources:
7 Reasons You Should Join A Union