National Federation of Nurses affiliates with the AFT

The leaders of two labor organizations representing healthcare professionals announced on Feb. 14 that they have approved an affiliation agreement that will bring 34,000 registered nurses into the AFT. The National Federation of Nurses, which represents nurses across the country, will affiliate with the AFT, whose 1.5 million members include more than 48,000 nurses and thousands of other healthcare professionals. "This partnership solidifies the unity between those who nurture body and mind—those who heal our communities with those who educate our children," says AFT president Randi Weingarten. "But nurturers need muscle to advocate on behalf of the students and patients they serve. The affiliation is great news for nurses, their patients and patient care." Barbara Crane, a registered nurse and president of the NFN, says, "A strong voice for nurses is particularly important now in this time of transition, when America's healthcare system is being redesigned. Nurses are the most trusted healthcare providers, and this new partnership with the AFT will enable us to continue to be the voice for the patients we serve."