Labor Alert: Mass. Eye & Ear Displays Anti-Union Tactics

The MNA works closely with the Area Trades Council on union activities and labor issues. The Council has asked that RNs looking to work at Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary in Boston, MA should be aware of increased insecurity and instability at the facility. The future of the Infirmary is being questioned by many employees and the turnover rate has increased throughout the Infirmary. In addition, a major labor problem exists among some MEEI employees.

The Infirmary skilled maintenance workers voted to form a union with the Area Trades Council on August 31, 2000. They have been negotiating their first contract ever since with no end in sight.

The union has filed numerous Unfair Labor Practice charges against the Infirmary with the National Labor Relations Board for harassment of union supporters, unjust firings and unilateral changes in working conditions. These charges are currently being investigated by the Labor Board.

The union believes the Infirmary Administration is blocking a labor agreement and trying to bust the union. The administration has created a very tense labor situation that has effected everyone. The Infirmary has spent its time fighting the union, and its own workers, and not concentrated on maintaining and upgrading the physical plant.

There is a real potential of a work stoppage or interruption due to this labor situation.