A Legacy of Dignity, Strength, and Caring, 1966 – 2018

with Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor Site Manager, Dr. Marcelle Wilson

This talk will chronicle the history of the YGDNA, the first nurses’ union in Ohio and the second in the country from its inception over a wage dispute in 1966 to the hospital’s closing just four years ago.  The nurses’ union served as a voice for the registered nurses at the Youngstown Hospital Association, eventually extending to Northside, Southside and Tod Babies and Children’s Hospital and Beeghly Medical Park.  The union worked to improve conditions affecting the quality of patient care as well as welfare issues of wages, benefits, and the work environment.  It protected them and their ability to advocate for their patients and devote themselves to the highest ethics and standards possible.  The nurses in this union forged friendships and created a community which enabled them to bolster each other as they faced stressful situations on a daily basis.