A federal judge has ordered Fremont-Rideout Health Group to cease and desist its long pattern of threats, harassment, and spying on registered nurses and to end its refusal to bargain in good faith with the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee.
In a recent searing indictment of the hospital system, administrative law judge John McCarrick found FRGH guilty of numerous violations of federal labor law abridging the rights of RNs at the hospitals in Marysville and Yuba City and of refusing to negotiate in good faith with CNA/NNOC on a first contract for the nurses.
FRHG is ordered to immediately end all illegal activity and resume bargaining with CNA/NNOC. Additionally, the hospital chain, which has been engaged in a vitriolic war with its RNs and CNA/NNOC, is ordered to repay one RN lost wages and benefits as restitution for retaliation by managers for her support of CNA/NNOC.
“This is a great victory for all Fremont-Rideout RNs. We are looking forward to moving on and settling a fair contract that improves patient care standards for RNs and their community,” says Katherine Zubal, RN at Fremont Medical Center.
Specifically, McCarrick ordered the hospital administration to cease and desist:
- Interrogating employees about their constitutionally protected rights regarding unionization.
- Engaging in unlawful surveillance of RNs.
- Threatening RNs they would not be scheduled to work for engaging in union-related activity.
- Refusing to bargain good faith with CNA/NNOC.
- Unlawful unilateral changes in employment conditions for RNs, including installation of surveillance cameras, and changes in scheduling and sick leave policies.
- Refusing to provide information to CNA/NNOC needed for bargaining.
- Any additional acts of coercion against employees related to union activity.
FRHG is also required to post notices for its employees informing them of the violations and their constitutional rights.
Source: California Nurses Association
