Matt Bartz of NUHW told the Santa Cruz Sentinel the vote was 78-12 in support of unionization. With the vote, the workers, which include physical, occupational and speech therapists, will become members of the National Union of Healthcare Workers.
Occupational therapist Annie Stepka, who is also a leader in the union campaign, in the report cited Louisville, Ky.-based Kindred Rehabilitation Services’ recent takeover of administrative responsibility for the hospital’s outpatient physical, speech and occupational therapy programs as a concern, saying, “People in our group wanted to have a louder voice for our patients and ourselves.” Another worker cited “greater protection” with union representation.
In response to the unionization vote, a Dominican Hospital spokesperson told Becker’s Hospital Review via email: “We respect our staff and their decision to join the National Union of Healthcare Workers. As always, we remain committed to our community and to delivering compassionate, high-quality, affordable health services.”
More articles on human capital and risk:
Brigham and Women’s to pay up to $90M in 1.2k voluntary retirement offers to avoid layoffs
Munson Medical Center nurses will unionize after challenged ballots settled
Tufts nurses to resume negotiations following July strike
