Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation notified the union Monday that it was canceling bargaining sessions scheduled for July 15 and 16. This marks the latest delay in negotiations after more than a year of bargaining and repeated unfair labor practices that prompted nurses to announce an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike.
In a message to the union, Hazelden Betty Ford said “given the substantial operational demands associated with implementing contingency staffing and ensuring continuity of care,” its bargaining team “will not be available to bargain on July 15 or 16.”
The employer did not immediately provide additional bargaining dates.
Nurses announced the ULP strike after more than a year of negotiations and repeated unfair labor practices by Hazelden Betty Ford, including making unilateral changes to working conditions without bargaining and disparate treatment related to protected union activity. Nurses provided the legally required ULP strike notice on July 2, giving both parties time to continue negotiations and work toward an agreement before and during the strike.
“No nurse wants to be on strike. We want to be caring for our patients while negotiating in good faith,” said Jody Burton, RN at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. “After repeated unfair labor practices by Hazelden Betty Ford, nurses determined that a ULP strike had become necessary. We provided more than the legally required 10-days’ notice and the opportunity to continue bargaining. Instead, Hazelden canceled negotiations. We remain ready to meet with our employer at any time to reach an agreement.”
This strike is a response to Hazelden Betty Ford’s repeated unfair labor practices, which nurses say have undermined the collective bargaining process and their federally protected rights. Nurses remain committed to resolving those issues through good-faith negotiations.
Nearly 60 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses voted to unionize in January 2025 and have been negotiating their first contract since then. Throughout negotiations, nurses have advocated for safe staffing, competitive wages and benefits, and working conditions that help recruit and retain experienced nurses who care for patients with complex medical and behavioral health needs.
Nurses say the strike remains avoidable if Hazelden Betty Ford returns to meaningful negotiations. They remain prepared to bargain before, during and after the strike. Reaching a fair agreement depends on Hazelden Betty Ford returning to the bargaining table prepared to negotiate.
The ULP strike is scheduled to begin Wednesday, July 15.
