The District of Columbia Nurses Association has filed charges against George Washington University Hospital alleging retaliation, unfair labor practices and "numerous offenses in violation of the National Labor Relations Act," according to a March 21 news release.
Five unfair labor practice complaints in total were filed by D.C. Nurses Association staff attorney, Kenneth Page, The GW Hatchet reported.
One charge alleges the hospital attempted to dissuade nurses from organizing and in one case actually suspended employee Angelo Estrellas, RN, for involvement in the union in an act of retaliation.
Another charge cites the hospital's recent decision to install cameras in break rooms and meeting rooms, which allegedly occurred after employees announced their plans to unionize due to poor staffing issues.
In a separate instance, another charge alleges that a hospital staff member was held as a "captive audience" to "discuss negative aspects of unions."
Mr. Page told the Hatchet the case will likely reach a settlement or a hearing before an administrative law judge if the National Labor Relations Board decides to proceed with it.
The news comes just a few weeks after resident physicians at George Washington University also made moves to unionize.
Becker's reached out to George Washington University Hospital to request comment on the matter. We will update this story as more information becomes available.