Hundreds of workers at Danbury (Conn.) Hospital and New Milford (Conn.) Hospital are seeking to unionize, union officials said last week in a news release.
AFT Connecticut, the labor federation that has long represented the registered nurses at the hospitals, said about 800 service, maintenance, environmental workers and nursing assistants announced their collective free choice to form a union and "come together to help build a better hospital."
Here are four things to know about the workers' plans and the union.
1. The healthcare professionals at Danbury and New Milford hospitals are asking Western Connecticut Health Network, which operates both facilities, to partner with them in improving conditions for their patients and themselves.
2. In a statement, Elizabeth Duarte, a certified nursing assistant, said the workers want "to protect patient care services and gain respect for healthcare workers."
3. These are not the first workers at Danbury and New Milford hospitals who have looked to unionize. Last November, Medical technicians, clinicians and licensed practical nurses at both facilities formed their own AFT-affiliated union through a National Labor Relations Board election, the union said.
4. AFT Connecticut, the largest union of acute-care health professionals in the state, represents approximately 725 registered nurses and 260 technicians, clinicians and license practical nurses at Danbury and New Milford hospitals.
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