Nurses at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation returned to the bargaining table today prepared to make meaningful progress toward a fair first contract. Instead of productive negotiations they were met with comments from Hazelden leaders suggesting they should work elsewhere if they were “unhappy.” As the unfair labor practice (ULP) strike enters its second week, nurses continue to call on the employer to bargain in good faith and negotiate a fair contract.
Nurses continue their ULP strike after nearly a year of negotiations and repeated unfair labor practices, including unilateral changes to working conditions without bargaining and disparate treatment related to protected union activity.
“When our patients need us, we show up,” said Jody Burton, RN. “We expect the employer to do the same. Instead, Hazelden arrived an hour late to bargaining, unprepared to make progress on a fair first contract, while disregarding nurses’ concerns about patients and workplace safety. This comes after Hazelden canceled previously scheduled bargaining sessions on the first day of our ULP strike, rather than working with nurses to reach a fair contract. Every day Hazelden delays negotiations is another day they choose not to invest in nurses or put patients first.”
Nurses continue to call on Hazelden Betty Ford to return to the bargaining table with meaningful proposals that address the issues that led to the ULP strike so patients receiving addiction, rehabilitation and mental healthcare have the staffing and support needed for the high-quality care they deserve.
Negotiations will continue on July 22 and nurses remain committed to a contract that protects key workforce rights as well as the safety and security of patients.
