In the latest clashes between SEIU and NUHW, the unions split election results at two Sutter Health-affiliated hospitals.  The election results, however, are far from final.  

In one hotly contested election, NUHW defeated SEIU at California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC), one of California’s largest private, not-for-profit, teaching medical centers.  In a separate election at CPMC’s smaller St. Luke’s campus, SEIU defeated NUHW.  SEIU filed objections in its loss, but NUHW did not file objections in the St. Luke's election.  Election results in the larger unit at CPMC, therefore, may not be certified for some time.

The CPMC elections follow on the heels of continued NLRB proceedings between the unions.  In yet another election between SEIU and NUHW, at Sutter-affiliated Alta Bates, SEIU prevailed in a close vote.  The NLRB held hearings on NUHW’s various objections to the election in early May 2011.  The outcome of that election will not be known until the Board rules on those objections.

NUHW was formed by the ousted leaders of an SEIU local, United Healthcare Workers-West, after the local was placed in trusteeship by SEIU.  The parting was bitter, and the fight between the unions to represent California health care workers has been fierce and litigious.  These latest elections and protracted Board proceedings to follow suggest the battle between the two unions will only continue.

This entry was written by Carie Torrence.

photo credit: James Group Studios