Union vindicates CT healthcare workers (130 days on strike so far)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/litchfield_cty/union-vindicates-ct-healthcare-workers

Updated: Monday, 23 Aug 2010, 5:58 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 23 Aug 2010, 5:11 PM EDT

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - Striking health care workers at four Connecticut nursing homes say their claims have been vindicated by the National Labor Relations Board. But a spokesman for the facilities says the final decision is far from over.

The strike is now entering its fifth month with the two sides appearing as determined as ever.

More than 400 healthcare workers have been on strike against four of the Spectrum Health Care facilities now for 130 days. Monday they were celebrating a victory because the National Labor Relations Board has served notice on Spectrum to respond to a finding that 14 union employees were terminated or suspended, in violation of the law, because of union activity.

“My suspension was illegal,” said Dori Harrington of Vernon. “They found that a number of the suspensions and firings were illegal and were unfair and it was because we were supporters of the union, not because we did something wrong."

A spokesman for the company issued a statement saying, "This strike began when the union walked out and abandoned our patients over the timing of a wage increase. The NLRB has simply ordered a hearing. At this hearing we look forward to the union's trumped up allegations being dismissed."

FULL story at link.