MEDFORD, Ore. — The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ordered Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center to recognize and bargain with a union representing more than 250 healthcare technical workers, ending a nearly three-year legal battle over the workers’ successful union election.
The June 3 ruling requires Asante executives to recognize the bargaining unit represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) and begin negotiating a labor contract. The decision also directs the hospital system to provide employee and union representatives with requested information, including employee lists, wage data and benefits information.
Healthcare technical workers at Rogue Regional voted overwhelmingly on June 9, 2023, to join the ONA. Workers cited concerns over staffing levels, healthcare costs, wages, benefits and having a stronger voice in decisions affecting patient care and workplace conditions.
According to the union, Asante challenged the election results through a series of legal actions following the vote, delaying formal recognition of the bargaining unit. The NLRB’s latest ruling represents the agency’s final decision in the case.
“This is a monumental victory for local patients, healthcare professionals and everyone in the Rogue Valley,” said Fred Katz, a registered nurse and ONA bargaining unit chair at Rogue Regional. “Techs and LPNs take tremendous pride in their work and our community. They chose to unionize more than three years ago so they could hold Asante executives and board members accountable and ensure the hospital invests in local patient care, staffing and safety improvements.”
The NLRB found that Asante committed multiple unfair labor practices by refusing to recognize and bargain with the union and by failing to provide information requested under federal labor law.
In its order, the board directed Asante to:
- Cease and desist from unlawful labor practices.
- Recognize and bargain with the union upon request.
- Provide the majority of requested information to workers and union representatives.
- Post a public notice acknowledging violations of federal labor law.
The bargaining unit includes radiologic technologists, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), respiratory therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy assistants and surgical technicians. These healthcare professionals provide diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation services, respiratory care and surgical support throughout the hospital.
ONA also represents a separate bargaining unit of more than 1,200 registered nurses at Rogue Regional Medical Center.
The union said the ruling marks an important step toward securing a first contract for healthcare technical workers and improving staffing, workplace conditions and patient care.
Asante, the largest healthcare provider across nine counties in Southern Oregon and Northern California, has faced criticism in recent years over service reductions, staffing issues and labor disputes. According to ONA, the healthcare system is also facing additional unfair labor practice allegations involving workers’ organizing rights and employee discipline related to workplace concerns.
As of the NLRB’s ruling, Asante must begin the process of bargaining with the union and complying with the board’s order.
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