The following is a roundup of recent events pertaining to hospital-union relationships, including strikes, concerns, legal battles, rallies and new contract agreements. All events were reported since Dec. 3, beginning with the most recent.
1. Union voices concerns over proposed Crozer-Keystone acquisition: 4 things to know
The Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals said it is concerned about potential effects from Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings' planned acquisition of Springfield, Pa.-based Crozer-Keystone Health System, according to a Delaware County Daily Times report. Job changes at Crozer-Keystone are not the union's major concern. But the union is concerned Prospect may be sold to another for-profit hospital chain not long after the deal with Crozer-Keystone closes.
2. Union files charges after nurses locked out of Nathan Littauer Hospital: 4 things to know
The New York State Nurses Association, which represents workers at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville, N.Y., said it has filed several federal charges after the hospital last week locked out unionized nurses who went on strike, according to a report from The Leader Herald. The charges were filed with the National Labor Relations Board Jan. 7, after nurses were denied entry to go to work after the nurses' one-day strike ended.
3. Kindred Hospital La Mirada workers vote in favor of unionizing: 3 things to know
More than 220 healthcare workers at Kindred Hospital La Mirada (Calif.) voted to join SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. Kindred workers affected include certified nursing assistants, cooks, environmental services aides, food services aides, licensed vocational nurses, materials management clerks, medical records clerks, monitor technicians, phlebotomists, radiology technologists, respiratory therapists, respiratory care practitioners and surgical assistants.
4. Nathan Littauer workers demonstrate over contract: 3 things to know
Healthcare workers at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville, N.Y., held a candlelight vigil Dec. 17. The candlelight vigil was organized by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and members of the New York State Nurses Association. Workers who demonstrated Thursday are seeking a new contract.
5. Conn. workers vote to stay in union: 3 things to know
Medical technicians and respiratory therapists at Danbury (Conn.) Hospital and New Milford (Conn.) Hospital voted in December to stay in the AFT Connecticut union, according to a report from The News-Times. The vote came as a minority portion of about 280 AFT Connecticut members petitioned the National Labor Relations Board to hold a vote to break away from the union, according to the report. The members had expressed displeasure about not having a contract, and had raised concerns about working conditions and patient care.
6. Staffing central issue in Oneida Healthcare nurse rally: 4 things to know
Oneida (N.Y.) Healthcare nurses, represented by the New York State Nurses Association, rallied Dec. 16 over staffing levels, according to an Oneida Daily Dispatch report. Dozens of nurses from Oneida Healthcare and surrounding hospitals attended the rally. Nurses at the rally demanded management increase staffing levels.
7. 134 arrested during labor protest at Yale-New Haven Hospital
A protest over a lack of local jobs at Yale-New Haven (Conn.) Hospital led to 134 people being arrested Dec. 12, according to a New Haven Register report. The demonstrators were demanding more local jobs at the hospital.
8. Elizabeth Seton, union reach contract: 4 things to know
Registered nurses and respiratory therapists at Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center in Yonkers, N.Y., represented by the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East union, reached a tentative contract agreement with hospital management. The contract was reached Dec. 8, in time to avoid a planned informational picket scheduled for Dec. 9.
9. Kadlec nurses vote for possible strike: 3 things to know
Richland, Wash.-based Kadlec Regional Medical Center nurses, represented by the Washington State Nurses Association, voted Dec. 7 in favor of a possible future strike, according to a Tri-City Herald report. The advisory vote on a potential strike received 90 percent approval.