Labor Board (NLRB) Rejects Appeal by Northern Berkshire Healthcare

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.iberkshires.com/story/30518/Labor-Board-Rejects-Appeal-by-Northern-Berkshire-Healthcare.html

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Northern Berkshire Healthcare's appeal on criteria for potential union members was summarily rejected last week.

The health system had argued to the National Labor Relation Board's Region 1 that nurses and certain certified nursing assistants at Sweet Brook Care Centers had supervisory duties and thus should not be eligible to vote on a proposed bargaining unit.

In a 19-page decision, the regional board reviewed and rejected Northern Berkshire Healthcare's position. NBH then appealed to the labor board's executive office.

At issue was whether registered and licensed practical nurses at the nursing facility had authority over nursing assistants and other staff. NBH officials said they did, which would prevent them from voting on whether to organize a local bargaining unit of 1199 Service Employees International Union.

But in a one-sentence response last Thursday, Chairwoman Wilma B. Liebman and member Peter C. Schaumber declined to even review the appeal.

"Employer's request for review of the regional director's decision and direction of election is denied as it raises no substantial issues warranting review."

FULL story at link.