How do I rectify unionism and libertarianism?

I started this Blog in order to extrapolate on any points I might make that exceed 140 characters on Twitter... It will probably make no sense most of the time, but here ya go.

(I also posted this in response an article by compatriot and President of the Greater Boston Tea Party, Christine Morabito.)

I was asked how I can rectify my espoused constitutional-libertarianism with my union activity (I’m on the Board of the Massachusetts Nurses Association) and I guess I sort of rectify it this way; I am a nurse, a profession that has always been made up predominantly of women within a patriarchally dominated field. The end result of this historical configuration often rendered nurses relatively powerless.. Aside from the obvious changes in gender equity, the professionalization of nursing and the changes in technology, the role of the nurse remains one of caregiver and patient advocate.

That said, women and women dominated professions even now, undeniably remain relatively powerless. Unlike independent practitioners like physicians, who can dictate their working conditions and wages, a nurse is for the most part dependant on health care institutions and the health care industry’s benevolence. MDs on the other hand, as independent practitioners, are in a position to negotiate their wages and working conditions and how they care for patients...

In my view, its about patient care first. A nurse cannot truly advocate for their patients without concerns of retribution and the only way a nurse can safely advocate or speak out without simply being fired, is to organize. A lone nurse (in a non union hospital) simply cannot do that, despite the appearances that the industry likes to put on, a lone nurse speaking out gets canned. I’ve seen it dozens of times in my career. On the other hand, a bunch of organized nurses making sensible arguments about unsafe staffing or dangerous practices gets listened to.

I get the anti-union anger, unions have been their own worst enemy over the last many years. In addition to patient advocacy, that is partially why I got involved; to help bring true democracy and the voice of the members to the union.

Even within the philosophical confines of my own belief system, I think there is a place for unions. What there is no place for is ill-informed fear mongering.. and making out all unions into the bogey-man for political or financial gain.
I don't know if that rectifies anything, but that’s all I got.

 Like I said, I am a complicated man.