Asante Appeals Federal Order as Healthcare Workers Push for Contract Talks

MEDFORD, Ore. — Frontline healthcare workers at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center are calling on hospital leaders to begin negotiating a labor contract after federal officials ordered the health system to recognize their union and start bargaining.

On June 3, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) directed Asante to recognize the union representing more than 250 healthcare technicians and licensed practical nurses and to begin negotiations upon request. Workers said they followed up with a certified letter on June 11 requesting that bargaining begin.

However, according to the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), Asante has appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and has declined to begin negotiations while the appeal proceeds.

“Asante acted as if they were above the law. Now after repeated NLRB rulings, it’s time for Asante to recognize workers’ union and come to the table to reach a fair contract agreement,” said Fred Katz, RN and ONA’s registered nurse bargaining unit chair at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center.

Katz said healthcare technicians are prepared to begin negotiations aimed at expanding patient access to care, improving working conditions and strengthening healthcare services throughout the Rogue Valley.

The group of healthcare technicians and licensed practical nurses voted to join the Oregon Nurses Association on June 9, 2023. Union leaders said employees have spent the last three years seeking negotiations over staffing levels, wages, benefits, healthcare coverage and workplace conditions.

The NLRB, an independent federal agency responsible for enforcing labor laws and overseeing union elections, found that Asante committed multiple unfair labor practices by refusing to recognize and bargain with workers. In its June 3 order, the agency directed the health system to cease unlawful conduct, provide requested information to workers and post notices acknowledging violations of federal labor law.

The Oregon Nurses Association said additional allegations remain pending, including claims that Asante interfered with organizing efforts, threatened employees over union activity, disciplined an employee who spoke publicly about patient safety concerns and restricted access for union representatives. Federal law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for protected organizing activities.

Union leaders also criticized Asante over several recent decisions, including the closure of maternity and inpatient services at Ashland Community Hospital, layoffs affecting employees across Southern Oregon and more than $1 million in state fines tied to alleged violations of Oregon’s safe staffing law.

The bargaining unit includes radiologic technologists, respiratory therapists, surgical technicians, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy assistants and licensed practical nurses. The workers are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association.

ONA separately represents more than 1,200 registered nurses at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center.

Asante’s appeal of the NLRB decision will now be considered by the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C.