Registered nurses and other healthcare professionals at the George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., are backing a decertification petition filed with the National Labor Relations Board seeking an election on whether to remove the District of Columbia Nurses Association as their bargaining representative.
Elizabeth Abraha, BSN, RN, filed the petition April 15, according to the NLRB and a news release from the National Right to Work Foundation, which assisted in the effort. The case is pending before the NLRB after a regional director paused proceedings. As of May 5, parties had been granted an extension to challenge that decision.
According to the NLRB, the bargaining unit includes nearly 700 registered nurses and other healthcare professionals at GWU Hospital. If a decertification election is held and workers vote against the union, the DCNA would no longer represent the group.
“Two years ago, DCNA union officials made all kinds of promises to my coworkers and me. They have not only failed to deliver on them, but have driven a wedge between a lot of my coworkers,” Ms. Abraha said in a statement. “We want to exercise our right to vote this union out, and both DCNA union officials and GWU Hospital management should respect our free choice.”
In a statement shared with Becker’s, the hospital said the NLRB process “is designed to ensure that employees can make a free and informed choice regarding union representation through a confidential, government-administered election. The George Washington University Hospital respects those rights and the integrity of that process.”
The hospital said its role in the matter is limited and that it is committed to complying with legal requirements throughout the process while remaining focused on patient care and supporting staff.
Becker’s has reached out to the union for comment and will update this story if more information becomes available.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.