Steelworkers union at Gracedale charges unfair labor practices

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.mcall.com/business/mc-gracedale-steelworkers-charges-20141205-story.html

12-5-14

Union workers at Gracedale have filed an unfair labor practice against Northampton County over health care negotiations.

Some 59 workers at the county nursing home, members of United Steelworkers Local 2599 in Bethlehem, say despite working under terms of a labor contract that expired Dec. 31, 2010,county administrators want to impose a "less favorable" medical plan on the workers in 2015.

Jerry Green, Local 2599 president, said the union filed the charge Thursday with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. The state agency enforces Pennsylvania law dealing with labor-management relations, with a focus on public-sector workers.

He said the union never waived its right to bargain, while the county administration has said the new health plan will take effect in 2015 even if the Steelworkers opposed it.

FULL story at link.