Hospital agreement reached; settlement over charges of unfair labor practices to reimburse 300 nurs

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.fresnobee.com/170/story/79672.html

Hospital agreement reached
Community announces settlement over charges of unfair labor practices.
By Tracy Correa / The Fresno Bee
07/07/07 04:29:14

Officials with Community Medical Centers said an agreement has been reached on the unfair labor practice charges by the California Nurses Association.

The Fresno-based nonprofit hospital system, which has been at odds with the union for about a decade, has agreed to reimburse nearly 300 union nurses -- who worked at University Medical Center -- for health-care premium increases passed on to them in 2005 and 2006. Community also has agreed to post a notice detailing for employees terms of the settlement reached with the National Labor Relations Board.

Community's chief executive officer, Tim Joslin, announced the settlement on the company's Web site. He wrote: "We are entering into this settlement because we believe it's in Community's best interest. It will avoid protracted proceedings and litigation expenses."

John Zelezny, Community spokesman, said Friday that the settlement is expected to be approved soon by the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C.

The NLRB attorney handling the case in Washington could not be reached for comment.

Earlier this year, the NLRB had been considering whether to invoke contempt proceedings against Community for failing to adhere to a court order to recognize and bargain with the union.

FULL story at link.