CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — In a significant development for southern Ohio’s largest healthcare system, Adena Health System, an official unionizing committee has been formed to address concerns regarding labor conditions and management issues. With nearly 5,000 employees under its umbrella, Adena Health System is a prominent healthcare provider in the region. The newly established committee, known as the “Adena Health System Union” or “AHSU,” has taken its first steps towards advocating for the rights and welfare of its workforce.
The committee’s public announcement comes after the controversial firing of two nurses this week. The committee said they chose to announce their public launch after the incident came to light when one of the nurses, who was dismissed, shared her story on social media, shedding light on her termination and the broader implications for healthcare workers at the facility. In addition, the committee said the news that almost 150 employees would be laid off in the coming weeks sped up their efforts.
The nurse, with 17 years of experience as a registered nurse (RN), had an unblemished record with no prior disciplinary actions or warnings, she said. She was nominated as the Employee of the Month at Adena Health System, a recognition of her dedication and contributions to the hospital. However, her termination came as a shock when she and another nightshift nurse were let go without warning. The reason cited was a seemingly innocuous incident that occurred at the end of their shift. A fellow nurse from the day shift had made shirts for them, which they tried on for a brief photo inside the nurses’ station. The photo session lasted no more than 60 seconds, and the nurses immediately removed the shirts, stashed them in their bags, and headed home, the social media posting said.
According to the nurse’s account, the incident occurred out of sight of patients, with no identifiable information in the picture, and without badges on. Despite these circumstances, both nurses were informed that they were not to return due to their “inappropriate work attire.”
In response to the situation, the nurse received overwhelming support from her coworkers and peers. Many expressed their disbelief at the hospital’s decision and rallied behind her on social media.
The Union’s launch
“‘Adena Union (AHSU) is our committee name, and the committee has committed to organizing the healthcare workforce at Adena Health System (AHS) to address the staffing shortages we face on a daily basis,” the committee said. “Working conditions have deteriorated to the point where experienced professionals are leaving the bedside, new professionals are taking jobs outside of healthcare, and vacancies in jobs are critically unfilled. AHSU will negotiate strong contracts, wins wage increases, protect jobs, settle grievances, stop privatization/contracting, and fights for health, retirement and other benefits for members from every department that is part of AHSU. We must join together and elevate the working conditions of our entire frontline team!”
The committee has launched a website, adenaunion.org, to facilitate communication and engagement with employees and the public. The website will serve as a platform for sharing information, updates, and resources related to the unionizing efforts, according to committee members. The union committee said they are soliciting votes to officially form the union from anyone who is not in management and is directly employed by Adena Health System.
Adena Health System has been facing challenges in recent years, including financial setbacks and reported management issues. Chief Executive Officer Jeff Graham, who has led the organization, has overseen a period of financial losses, scandals, lawsuits, and more; a stark contrast to other non-profit healthcare organizations that have reported record profits and growth. The challenges have raised concerns among employees and stakeholders, leading to the formation of the Adena Health System Union committee.
The majority of physicians at Adena Health System are affiliated with the Adena Medical Group (AMG), which consists of approximately 200 physicians and 150 advanced practice providers practicing across 28 locations within the nine-county service region.
Since its inception in 1895, Adena Health System has been a steadfast healthcare provider in southern Ohio, serving generations of families. The organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare and personal service to the community has been a cornerstone of its mission. Adena Health System operates as a non-profit hospital founded on religious beliefs, emphasizing respect and compassion in patient care.
The formation of the Adena Health System Union marks a significant step in addressing concerns within the organization and ensuring the well-being of its workforce.
The Role of a Union
One of the key functions of a union is to advocate for the rights and interests of employees. Unions can negotiate employment contracts, benefits, working conditions, and wages on behalf of their members. In healthcare settings like Adena Health System, a union can play a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare workers have a voice in decisions that affect patient care and their own well-being.
Unions can also provide a platform for employees to raise concerns about workplace issues collectively, which can lead to positive changes in the workplace. Additionally, unions often offer support and resources to employees who may be facing workplace challenges, including issues related to job security and fair treatment.
Employee Rights and Federal Protections
It’s important to note that employees who engage in discussions about forming or joining a union are protected under federal laws. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) guarantees employees the right to engage in “concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection.” This means that employees have the right to discuss the possibility of forming or joining a union without fear of retaliation from their employer.
Employers are prohibited from interfering with, restraining, or coercing employees in the exercise of their rights under the NLRA. This protection extends to employees who are considering unionization, as well as those who actively participate in unionizing efforts.
Employees at Adena Health System have the legal right to explore the possibility of forming a union and discussing their concerns about workplace conditions and management practices. These discussions are protected by federal law, and employees should not face any adverse consequences for exercising their rights.
The formation of the Adena Health System Union marks a significant step in addressing concerns within the organization and ensuring the well-being of its workforce. As the unionizing efforts progress, Adena Health System employees and the community will be closely watching for developments in this important initiative.
For more information about the Adena Health System Union, please visit adenaunion.org.