Settlements approved in Pittsburgh hospital cases

The NLRB Office of General Counsel today approved settlement agreements between two UPMC hospitals and the Service Employees International Union that resolves most charges filed by the union. The SEIU had been in the early stages of an organizing campaign when the incidents occurred, although the union has not yet filed a petition for an election.
In the settlement agreements, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside agreed to offer reinstatement and backpay to two employees who were discharged after supporting the union, and to reimburse two other employees who lost wages due to a suspension and other actions.  The employer also agreed to rescind overly-broad policies related to social media, solicitation rules and a code of conduct at all UPMC facilities, to post Notices to Employees in multiple break rooms in four Pittsburgh hospitals, and to train supervisors to avoid future unlawful behavior.
One remaining charge related to the use of company e-mail by employees to communicate about the union was not resolved and will proceed to trial before an Administrative Law Judge. The trial date is tentatively set for February 20.