Nursing home probe nets mixed results

A federal agency investigating allegations of unfair labor practices at Iroquois Nursing Home in Jamesville has determined some of the complaints may have merit and others are unfounded.

The National Labor Relations Board launched its probe after 1199 SEIU filed several complaints accusing the nursing home of disciplining or harassing employees for their union activities. Workers voted to join the health care workers union in March. The union and management began negotiating a contract in May.

When the NLRB conducts an investigation and determines a violation may have occurred, it gives the parties time to settle matter. If there is no voluntary remedy, the NLRB issues a formal complaint and the case is heard by an administrative law judge.

"We have decided if the case doesn't settle, we will issue complaints on some of the allegations," said Rhonda Ley, the NLRB's regional attorney.

She would not discuss which allegations may trigger complaints.

Ross Andrews, a lawyer for 1199 SEIU, said the allegations include accusations that the nursing home denied weekend shifts to an employee because of her union activity and denied employees their right to have fellow union members present while being questioned by supervisors.

Andrews said the NLRB is prepared to issue complaints on most of the union's charges.

In a memo issued to Iroquois staff, Iroquois administrator Sonya Moshier said the NLRB dismissed allegations that Iroquois improperly disciplined two employees for neglect of resident care and allegations that the home denied union representation to two employees.

The NLRB has determined a trial is necessary to determine if some disciplinary actions and scheduling changes were appropriate, she said in the memo.

" . . . the NLRB has decided that a trial must be held so a judge can decide who is telling the truth," Moshier said.

The union contends Iroquois has continued to intimidate and harass workers since they voted to join the union. Iroquois says the union is waging a smear campaign against the nursing home as a bargaining tool.