LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)- The Michigan Nurses Association has filed an unfair labor charge against Sparrow Hospital with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing Sparrow of repeatedly violating federal labor laws.

“We are completely fed up with the anti-union attitude Sparrow executives have taken,” said Jessica Lannon, RN, the grievance chair of the Professional Employee Council of Sparrow Hospital – Michigan Nurses Association (PECSH-MNA) and member of MNA’s Board of Directors. “They keep trying to silence the voices of caregivers. Sparrow’s administration has crossed the line too many times and must be held accountable.”

A press release from the Michigan Nurses Association cited Sparrow’s hiring of the Barnes and Thorunburg law firm, a firm that specializes in union avoidance.

The Nurses Association alleged the following misconduct:

• Unlawfully abandoned the safe staffing concerns process in the caregivers’ union contract prior to its expiration;
• Unlawfully interrogated staff about union activities and unlawfully attempted to prevent staff from wearing red to show support for their union;
• Unlawfully announced that they plan to restrict provider networks in 2022 for employee health insurance plans;
• Unlawfully created a position for nurses at Sparrow outside of the union;
• Unlawfully refused to share financial information with the union;
• Unlawfully coerced employees’ legally protected right to strike including by making bargaining proposals containing a written threat to...

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