NLRB sets hearing on charges of unfair labor practices against Spectrum Healthcare

[Omaha Steve]

http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=220365&type=newswires

August 24, 2010 | Waterbury Republican-American (CT)

Aug. 21--The National Labor Relations Board has notified the parent company of a Winsted nursing home where unionized workers are on strike that it will hold a hearing in November into claims that the company suspended or fired employees for union activities and has not bargained in good faith.

John S. Cotter, acting regional director for the NLRB's Region 34 in Hartford, on Thursday sent a complaint and notice of hearing to Vernon-based Spectrum Healthcare, parent company of Laurel Hill Healthcare in Winsted.

Nearly 400 members of the New England Healthcare Employees Union District 1199 at Laurel Hill and three other Spectrum-owned nursing homes in Ansonia, Derby and Hartford have been on strike since April after working for more than a year without a contract.

When the strike began, union officials filed complaints of unfair labor practices, including claims that Spectrum had fired employees in retaliation for supporting the union.

Cotter said Friday the labor board found "potential merit to some of the claims."

The labor board's complaint cites two union workers who were fired and five who were suspended from Park Place Health Center in Hartford; five who were fired and another who was suspended from Hilltop Health Center in Ansonia, and one worker who was fired from Laurel Hill, all between Sept. 21, 2009 and April 6. The strike began April 15.

FULL story at link.