On Friday, September 7, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed a petition in federal court to temporarily halt HealthBridge’s implementation of unlawful cuts at five nursing homes that forced nearly 700 Connecticut caregivers out on strike last month. If granted by federal judge, the injunction will allow striking employees to return to work under the original contract.
| Friday’s Court Documents: |
| Civil Cover Sheet |
| Petition for 10(J) Injunction |
| Order to Show Cause |
| Petitioner’s Memo of Law |
| Motion to Try |
Citing HealthBridge’s pattern of unlawful activity, the NLRB’s filing argues that injunctive relief is necessary to protect HealthBridge employees from illegal behavior by the company until a decision is reached in the case. The NLRB will now make its case before a federal court judge, who may grant an injunction to reverse HealthBridge’s unilateral implementation of contract conditions that destroyed workers’ ability to support their families and provide quality care to residents.
HealthBridge has been the subject of numerous federal complaints and two recent rulings passed down by administrative law judges found the company guilty of violating federal laws intended to protect workers’ rights.
“We know that HealthBridge will attempt to draw this process out for as long as possible,” said David Pickus, President of the New England Health Care Employees Union, District 1199, SEIU. “We think a judge will recognize just how brazen HealthBridge has been in its disregard for the law, and ultimately grant an injunction to protect workers while they wait for justice.”
“I’m thrilled with this news,” said Tanya Beckford, a CNA at Newington Health Care Center. “The process isn’t easy, and it’s never fast. But if the judge grants this injunction, we will finally be able to get back into work with our residents where we belong.”
The Labor Board only seeks injunctive relief in the most egregious cases. In 2011, the Board filed for an injunction in fewer than 4% of all federal Complaints issued. If the judge decides to grant an injunction against the company, the decision is subject to appeal in a U.S. Court of Appeals. However, HealthBridge will be required to implement the judge’s decision while the appeals process is ongoing.
