Registered nurses at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich are seeking to unionize, The Day of New London reports.
The largest employee group at the hospital is looking to form a local affiliate of AFT Connecticut, the same union that represents RNs, LPNs and other staff at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London and seven other hospitals in the state.
Approximately 480 RNs at Backus will be voting on whether to join the union sometime this year. The hospital has about 1,800 employees at its main building, and several dozen more at its satellite locations.
Hospital spokesman Shawn Mawhiney told the Day Monday that Backus believes a union would be counterproductive.
“We believe representation by a union is not necessary, and not in the best interests of the hospital. We continue to communicate fairly and honestly with staff,” Mawhiney told the Day. “We are working to preserve jobs and we believe we are one of the best places to work in Eastern Connecticut.”
