Election to represent professional staff of NYSNA ordered for USW

An election for union representation has been ordered by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for the United Steelworkers (USW) to represent 66 professional staff of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA). The definition of this bargaining union was stipulated through the NLRB on Apr. 9.  The employees work in the association's union program representing registered nurses and other health care professionals in New York and New Jersey.

On Mar. 19, the USW requested voluntary recognition by NYSNA as the collective bargaining representative of its professional employees.  The USW also offered to submit to a 'card check' by a neutral third party, to demonstrate the interest of the NYSNA staff in being represented by the USW.  Both of these acts are strongly supported by AFL-CIO and other labor organizations and are key components of the proposed Employee Free Choice Act awaiting passage before the U.S. Congress. On Mar. 22, NYSNA refused to voluntarily recognize USW and refused to submit to a card check by a neutral third party.

As a result of NYSNA's unwillingness to recognize the USW as the collective bargaining representative of its professional employees, the USW filed a petition with the NLRB on Mar. 23. Within the following day, NYSNA proceeded to make unilateral changes to the conditions of employment for the professional staff involved.  The USW is now contemplating an unfair labor practice charge.

The NYSNA staff in this bargaining unit work throughout New York and New Jersey. In light of the geographic area, the NLRB has ordered a mail election to take place at the end of April.