Region 22-Newark Issues Complaint Against Jersey Shore University Medical Center

On December 6, 2021, Region 22-Newark of the National Labor Relations Board issued a Complaint against Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health Center alleging that the employer’s conduct undermined union support for an election with Health Professionals and Allied Employees.

The Complaint also alleges that the Hospital unlawfully interrogated employees and promised benefits if they abandoned the Union. Region 22 further alleges that the Hospital hired third-party labor consultants who, in mandatory workplace meetings with employees, falsely claimed to be neutral government agents.

“It is the right of employees—and not their employer—to decide whether or not they will be represented by a union. Workers must be permitted to exercise this right freely, unencumbered by employer intimidation or coercion,” said Region 22 Regional Director Suzanne Sullivan. “The NLRB’s General Counsel will prosecute such illegal conduct whether it was committed directly by employers or by hired consultants, who are their agents. It is especially troubling when anti-union consultants attempt to deceive employees and interfere with employee free choice through claims that they are speaking on behalf of the government, and there must be accountability for such unlawful activity.”

A hearing in this case is scheduled to begin on April 19, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. before an Administrative Law Judge via Zoom.

Established in 1935, the National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects employees, employers, and unions from unfair labor practices and protects the right of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve wages, benefits and working conditions. The NLRB conducts hundreds of workplace elections and investigates thousands of unfair labor practice charges each year. Region 22 serves areas in New Jersey from its Regional Office in Newark.