The long-awaited rulings by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on what has become known as the "Kentucky River Decision" were issued on Oct. 3rd. These decisions (actually three separate decisions), significantly alters and expands the the definition of "supervisors" under the National Labor Relations Act and have far-reaching implications for the rights of registered nurses to organize and be represented and protected by a union contract.

The rulings, made in a close 3-2 decision, are being denounced by all of the national and local unions representing registered nurses as well as the labor movement in general. The three members who have devised these new interpretations of the law clearly do not understand the nature of nursing practice and how being a work leader who delegates tasks does not equate to having the managerial duties that Congress identified as necessary to make someone a supervisor under the law. WSNA agrees with the two members of the Board who dissented - the interpretation is not consistent with Congressional intent. Congress did not intend to exclude "minor supervisors" like "lead men" from the coverage of the National Labor Relations Act.

WSNA has been working with the United American Nurses (UAN) and American Nurses Association (ANA) to develop information and strategies for addressing the impact of the these decisions. While the actions of the majority members of the current NLRB pose a serious and potentially devastating blow to the union rights of our charge nurse members, this decision does not automatically take away the union protection of our nurses. The WSNA will continue to fight for nurses’ right to remain protected by unions and to have a voice for safe patient care!

The Decision
Oakwood Decision (PDF)
NLRB Press Release / Decision Summary (PDF)

Press Releases
WSNA Press Release (PDF)
AFL-CIO Press Release (PDF)
ANA Press Release (PDF)
RNs Working Together Press Release (PDF)
UAN Press Release (PDF)

Press Coverage
Daily Labor Report (PDF)

Last Updated:
October 16, 2006