Nurses have filed labor charges against two New Jersey hospitals over alleged threats, according to an NJBIZ report.
Here are five things to know about the charges.
1. The charges were filed with the National Labor Relations Board.
2. They were filed by nurses at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, N.J., and Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, N.J. Both hospitals are part of Neptune-based Meridian Health, and nurses at both hospitals are represented by the Health Professionals and Allied Employees union.
3. The charges were filed against the hospitals after they allegedly threatened nurses who used social media to post support of unions during contract negotiations earlier this month, according to the report. The nurses posted about various issues during contract negotiations, including increasing staffing, health coverage and workplace rights. They also posted about their bargaining committee.
4. In addition, at least 100 nurses represented by HPAE Local 5138 and HPAE Local 5058 were in the negotiating room last week in support of the unions, holding signs and posting pictures of the meetings, according to NJBIZ. It was after this that the hospitals allegedly threatened the nurses.
5. In response to the charges, Meridian provided NJBIZ with the following statement: "We were notified of this union charge this afternoon and are actively investigating the claim. Meridian does have a comprehensive social media policy that outlines exercising good judgment and refraining from communicating patient information or proprietary information of Meridian. Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of current labor negotiations, we are unable to comment further, but remain committed to reaching an amicable contract."
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