NCH nurses accuse hospital management of union tampering

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/jan/10/nch-nurses-accuse-hospital-management-union-tamper/

By LIZ FREEMAN (Contact)
Thursday, January 10, 2008

Registered nurses with the NCH Healthcare System who support forming a union filed charges Thursday with federal labor officials, saying hospital management is unlawfully violating their rights to form a union in a free and fair election process.

The charges accuse hospital management of fostering an atmosphere of intimidation and fear by preventing pro-union nurses from discussing union representation and for stopping them from displaying information on hospital bulletin boards.

In addition, hospital management has threatened pro-union nurses with job-related discipline, has told pro-union nurses they are being watched, and has prohibited them from bringing food into the cafeteria and break rooms, according to the complaint.

A group of nurses began organizing for a union election last summer with SEIU Healthcare Florida to have a voice in their work environment and patient care. The charges were filed Thursday by SEIU with the National Labor Relations Board in Miami.

“We must hold the hospital accountable,” Ann Andersen, a registered nurse in the emergency room at NCH North Naples Hospital, said at a press conference Thursday. “(NCH) has violated our right to a free and fair and informed debate.”

It is hard to say how long it will take the labor board to review and investigate the charges although 30 days is a potential time frame, said Gene Mechanic, an SEIU attorney from Hollywood on Florida’s east coast.

FULL story at link.