Bernie Sanders calls on UnityPoint Health to recognize nurses’ union vote
DES MOINES, Iowa —
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is urging UnityPoint to recognize the nurses who voted to unionize last year.
Sanders wrote to the Iowa healthcare provider, saying, “UnityPoint should be investing more in nurses and healthcare workers, not illegal union-busting tactics to intimidate and retaliate against nurses.”
KCCI previously reported that UnityPoint nurses passed their vote to unionize last year, but the vote is now under review after UnityPoint filed objections over the election process.
The decision to unionize is now being weighed by the National Labor Relations Board.
UnityPoint responded to Sanders’ letter with the following statement:
“We believe that inflammatory and misleading statements not only undermine the amazing care our nurses provide but also create an irresponsible narrative about the quality of care our patients receive at UnityPoint Health.
“In accordance with the process put in place by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), UnityPoint Health filed objections against the Teamsters Local 90 and the NLRB to ensure a free and fair election. We believe that every nurse has the right to make an uncoerced decision, free of intimidation and abuse of the election process.
“UnityPoint Health is incredibly proud of our nurses and care teams, and we believe working with them directly is the best way to address their concerns.”