SSM Health said Wednesday it is appealing the decision to certify a June 11 union election by the regional staff of the National Labor Relations Board.
“Federal labor law provides the opportunity to seek review of regional decisions, and we are exercising that right by asking a higher level of the NLRB to consider our appeal,” the hospital said in a statement.
“We are seeking review of concerns we raised regarding fairness during the process leading up to and during the election.”
After stating their concerns about compensation, staffing and other issues, nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital, one of 24 hospitals in SSM Health’s multistate system, voted 511-63 to unionize with the Service Employees International Union of Wisconsin.
In June, the union election was certified by the regional staff of the NLRB.
SSM Health’s Aug. 5 statement, released by Lisa Adams, SSM Health communications manager, said the organization respects its employees’ right to decide whether they want union representation.
“Our appeal is focused on concerns about the election process and ensuring those concerns receive full review,” SSM Health said.
During the election period, SSM Health said it raised objections regarding conduct that it believes affected the election environment and disrupted hospital operations.
“We do not believe these concerns were adequately investigated before regional NLRB staff dismissed the objections and certified the election,” the organization said.
“We greatly value our nurses and the important contributions they make every day. Our focus remains on supporting them and continuing to provide exceptional care for our patients and the communities we serve.”
