Teamsters union and Genesys Regional Medical Center file unfair labor practice charges

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/09/teamsters_union_and_genesys_re.html

Published: Friday, September 03, 2010, 2:57 PM Updated: Friday, September 03, 2010, 2:59 PM
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Flint Journal File PhotoA group of Teamsters Local 332 members and supporters on Aug. 18 gather on Holly Road in front of Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc Township. Technical workers voted down their contract last week and may go on strike.


GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan — As a possible strike lingers for technical workers at Genesys Regional Medical Center, both the union representing the group and hospital have filed numerous unfair labor practice charges against each other with the National Labor Relations Board.

“Genesys and the Teamsters have both engaged the National Labor Relations Board to help resolve our differences,” Tammy Saunaitis, vice president of Human Resources for Genesys Health System, said in a statement. “This is not uncommon during difficult negotiations. None of these charges have resulted in a formal complaint to date. Both parties continue to work with the NLRB in answering their questions, providing information, and following their obligations under the law."

Hospital officials did not elaborate on the charges filed against Teamsters.

The union’s charges against the hospital include illegal direct dealing with certain employees, illegally threatening employees and interfering with employees’ protected rights. Leaders had been waiting on the board’s response before issuing the strike notice.

“The union has filed a number of charges and the regional office that did the preliminary investigation found that there appeared to be merit to some charges and were considering issuing a complaint,” Nancy Cleeland, director of public affairs for the Washington D.C.-based national labor board, said Thursday.