Stockton caregivers union alleges unfair labor practices

[Omaha Steve]

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/04/18/state/n125440D97.DTL

Stockton caregivers union alleges unfair labor practices

Wednesday, April 18, 2007


(04-18) 12:54 PDT Stockton, Calif. (AP) --

A union representing about 200 nursing assistants, housekeepers, food service and laundry workers at a Stockton retirement home has filed a series of unfair labor-practice allegations with the National Labor Relations Board.

SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West claims that officials at O'Connor Woods retirement home intimidated caregivers, held mandatory anti-union meetings, denied access to union representatives and once ordered an employee removed from the property because she spoke to co-workers about contract bargaining.

"We don't believe we've done anything illegal or wrong," Executive Director Scot Sinclair said Tuesday. "I'm disappointed but not surprised with this latest move, but as I understand it, this is part of union tactics to force an organization to give in to union demands."

The union made the latest allegations Tuesday but has already settled two. Five are still open, according to the labor board.

The next round of negotiations was scheduled for Monday with a federal moderator.