The National Labor Relations Board started a hearing this week addressing the 48 allegations facing Pittsburgh-based UPMC for anti-union activity, according to a Pittsburgh Business Times report.
The health system is facing allegations of unlawfully trying to discourage union organization, allegedly including four employee terminations and disciplinary action against union supporters.
The Service Employees International Union has been trying to unionize hourly workers at UPMC Presbyterian and Shadyside hospitals for two years, but a vote has not been scheduled. The NLRB issued a complaint against UPMC in December 2012, but before a hearing, UPMC and the SEIU reached an informal settlement.
The SEIU claims the health system breached the terms of that agreement a year ago, allegedly meddling in organizing efforts at UPMC's locations in Oakland, Pa., according to the report.
"The ink was barely dry when the unlawful activities began again," NLRB General Counsel Suzanne Donsky said in the opening hearing, according to the report. "What the evidence will show is the union's organizing efforts were met with significant resistance, including engaging in surveillance and interrogation of employees."
UPMC lawyer Mark Stubley said UPMC fully complied with the terms of the settlement, according to the report. Employees fired from the system were terminated for work-related issues, not involvement with the SEIU, he contended.
The NLRB hearing is expected to last three weeks. A ruling by an administrative law judge could come a couple months after that, according to the report.
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