The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has announced that there is merit to allegations against Johns Hopkins Hospital for potentially violating federal labor laws regarding the rights of registered nurses (RNs) seeking union representation.
In response to these findings, RNs from Johns Hopkins, along with community supporters, will host a press conference on Wednesday to outline their concerns and discuss their efforts to join the National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC), which is part of National Nurses United (NNU).
The press briefing is scheduled to take place outside Johns Hopkins Hospital, located at 1800 Orleans St., in front of the hospital's sign.
The NLRB's investigation, initiated due to charges filed by the NNOC, indicates that the hospital may have unlawfully enforced rules that restrict off-duty RNs from accessing break rooms and discussing union matters while on the job, despite allowing other non-work-related conversations.
If Johns Hopkins does not reach a settlement regarding these charges, the NLRB plans to issue a formal complaint against the hospital.
Additional allegations made by the NNOC regarding broader violations of RNs' rights are still under investigation by the federal agency.
According to the NNOC, hospital management has repeatedly prevented off-duty RNs from engaging with their colleagues during breaks to discuss how union representation could enhance patient care and improve working conditions. The NNOC also accuses the hospital of employing illegal tactics to interfere with RNs' rights.
The organization claims that Johns Hopkins has spent significant resources on anti-union initiatives, which may violate labor laws. RNs have expressed concerns that inadequate working conditions, compared to other top university hospitals, have contributed to high turnover rates and diminished patient care.
“We are organizing at Johns Hopkins Hospital in order to provide the highest quality of care to our patients, and we are disheartened to see hospital management react in this manner,” stated Kate Phillips, a registered nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit.
“Our patients deserve the best patient care from us, but instead of investing in the nurses that provide the direct care, our hospital has diverted patient care dollars to professional union busters,” added Helen Paik, also an RN in the Medical Intensive Care Unit.
National Nurses United represents approximately 150,000 registered nurses, making it the largest nurses’ union and professional association in the United States.
Reported by HarborBeat based on National Nurses United (source).
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