Press Release

According to the decision by the Administrative Law Judge who presided at the hearing, "By promulgating, maintaining and enforcing a policy prohibiting employees from wearing a Union button..., the Respondent [Sacred Heart Medical Center] has engaged in an unfair labor practice...

In addition, the decision requires the Hospital to:

1. cease and desist from enforcing this policy which prohibits employees from wearing a Union button
2. rescind the memorandum that contains the policy
3. post a notice in conspicuous places for sixty days that clearly states that the Hospital will not prohibit employees from wearing the "Safe Staffing" button, interfere with employee's right guaranteed by the NLRB, and that the policy to prohibit the wearing of a Union button has been rescinded.

   "We are thrilled with the decision because The American Nurses Association (ANA) and United American Nurses (UAN) button which says 'RNs Demand Safe Staffing' is worn by nurses throughout the country to show their support for quality patient care. This decision clearly supports the nurses' right to wear Union buttons in the workplace," said Marty Avey, RN, Local Unit Chair.

   SHMC broke the law when they threatened nurses for exercising their rights as union members. According to Barbara Frye, RN, WSNA Director of Labor Relations, "We will simply not tolerate this union busting behavior. SHMC RNs will continue to demand safe staffing - now more than ever!"