Nurses union files complaint against Kadlec with labor board

The labor association representing Kadlec nurses in contract negotiations has filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.

It alleges bad faith bargaining on Kadlec’s part, including changing health insurance premiums without going through the union.

The Washington State Nurses Association and the Richland hospital have been negotiating a new nurses’ contract for months. The main sticking points have to do with staffing levels and paid time off.

The last negotiation session, on Nov. 11, failed to yield a new pact. “Kadlec administration is trying to take nearly $1 million per year in paid time off and sick time out of the pockets of the registered nurses who work there,” an association news release said, adding that the hospital’s “refusal to concretely address nurse staffing levels on the units” leaves the nurses with little time to break for meals or rest during long shifts.

The next bargaining session is Nov. 17. The association said it’s hopeful discussions will be more fruitful.

A Kadlec spokesman said Friday that the hospital is aware of the complaint, and that Kadlec is committed to negotiating in good faith with the nurses.

This story was originally published November 13, 2015 at 4:44 PM with the headline "Nurses union files complaint against Kadlec with labor board."