Unfair Labor Practices Strike Begins at Innova Deptford and Innova Hammonton
In an effort to keep patient care a priority, some 100 Registered
Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses of District 1199C are engaged in
an unfair labor practice strike at Innova Deptford and Innova Hammonton
which began at 6 a.m. on Friday, January 23.
The nurses had been working without a contract since last April.
Although negotiations have been underway since last March, the
employer, Innova, has not been bargaining with a goal of reaching an
agreement. As a result the union has been forced to file a complaint
with the National Labor Relations Board alleging unfair labor
practices. In addition, the employer has refused the intervention of state and
federal mediators.
Besides work policy changes that would cut some nurses’ pay by
one-third, the company seeks to change the nurses’ healthcare and
pension package so that the employees' co-pay would be dramatically and
prohibitively increased. Finally, the company is proposing new work
conditions that illustrate Innova is not making patient care a top
priority.
District 1199C President Henry Nicholas said, “It is unfortunate that
at a critical time in the healthcare industry the employers wish to put
their personal investment above quality patient care. This is the same
kind of attitude and behavior that has placed the nation in this economic crisis."
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|