Cleveland behavioral health nurses say ‘Union Yes’

In a decisive victory, 60 Metro Behavioral Health nurses in Cleveland have voted overwhelmingly to join the Ohio Nurses Association/AFT, sending a powerful message: Frontline caregivers are ready to unite for safer staffing, stronger workplace protections, and a real voice in decision-making.

This win comes at a pivotal moment. Healthcare workers across the nation are grappling with chronic understaffing, rising workplace violence and dwindling resources. For Metro Behavioral Health nurses, the need for change was undeniable.

“With nurses and health professionals facing understaffing and rampant violence, having a real voice in the workplace isn’t just important—it’s vital,” says Patricia Kane, registered nurse and organizing lead at Metro Behavioral Health. “A union means standing together, knowing you’re not alone, and having the power of collective support and advocacy behind you. We stood together and said ‘Union Yes’ because we know it’s better in a union. This is a win for all of us—and for every patient who depends on our care.”

Kane also emphasizes that unionizing will provide concrete protections for nurses, ensuring they no longer have to work in fear. “Now, when we’re faced with an unsafe assignment, we won’t just have to speak up—we’ll be able to document it through assignment-despite-objection papers,” she explains. “If something goes wrong, we’ll have recourse. We’re also demanding accountability from management, so they follow the same standards we’re expected to uphold. No nurse should have to fear retaliation or poor leadership affecting their working conditions.”

For registered nurse Kamila Phillips, the decision to unionize is deeply personal. “I’ve been in healthcare for 20 years, and behavioral health is my passion. At Metro, we serve some of the most vulnerable populations—people with no insurance, low-income individuals, and those in desperate need of care,” Phillips explains. “We’re a dedicated team of nurses who care about our patients; but for too long, our concerns have been ignored. That’s why we voted for a union.”

Phillips emphasizes that unity among nurses was the driving force behind their decision. “We all had the same concerns—unsafe staffing, workplace violence, patient care issues—but when we voiced them to management, nothing changed,” she says. “Eventually, we saw small improvements, but not nearly enough. The power of coming together, standing up for ourselves, and having each other’s backs made unionizing the clear choice.”

Adding to the urgency, looming federal funding cuts threaten to hit mental health services first, potentially leaving countless patients without care. “I’m extremely concerned,” Phillips admits. “Mental health is already underfunded, and if resources are cut further, we’ll see more people forced onto the streets without the care they need. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s why we must fight for better conditions—not just for ourselves, but for the people we serve.”

By joining ONA and the AFT, Metro Behavioral Health nurses are part of a growing national movement of healthcare professionals demanding better working conditions and improved patient care.

ONA President Rick Lucas applauds the Metro nurses’ courage and commitment. “These nurses have made it clear: They are ready to lead the fight for safer workplaces and better care,” Lucas says. “By voting overwhelmingly to join ONA and AFT, they’ve taken a bold step toward ensuring they have a real say in the decisions that impact their patients and their profession. It’s better in a union—for nurses, health professionals and the communities we care for.” 

As they move toward bargaining their first contract, Metro Behavioral Health nurses will work alongside ONA and the AFT to secure the resources, protections and support they need to deliver the highest standard of care.

[Adrienne Coles, ONA press release]