Nurses Say No to CNA Unionization of Huntington Memorial Hospital

Photo by Terry Miller

Some Ballots Challenged – Preliminary Vote is 539 against – 445 for union

CEO Steve Ralph sent out the following memo e mail last night:
“The National Labor Relations Board tonight counted the ballots in the election to determine whether CNA/NNU would become the certified bargaining representative for Huntington Hospital nurses. Unfortunately, we do not have a final result to share with you this evening.

The vote count was:

• Votes cast against CNA/NNU representation (“No” votes): 539

• Votes cast for CNA/NNU representation (“Yes” votes): 445

• Challenged ballots: 175

Because of the number of challenged ballots, the result cannot be determined without resolving the challenged ballots.

What happens now?

The NLRB will make a determination on the challenged ballots. In this process, the side that challenged the ballot has to provide a legitimate legal reason for the challenge.
Once the NLRB decides which challenged nurses are eligible to vote, those ballots are opened, separated from the envelopes and counted as a group by the NLRB.
The hospital also is assessing additional steps. Both sides have one week to file objections to the election. The hospital will object to any conduct by CNA/NNU leading up to and during the election that was illegal, or intended to intimidate or harass voters.

When will we get a result?

Until the NLRB investigates and rules on the challenges and objections, if any, the election results will not be official. We cannot say exactly how long this will take. We are just as eager as you are to see it resolved. I will let you know as soon as decisions are made.

What should we do in the meantime?

In the meantime, I would ask that we all conduct ourselves according to our values of respect, integrity and excellence. Our focus and commitment should be, as always, on providing safe, high quality care for our patients and support for each other. Thank you.

Steve”

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