Oregon Public Broadcasting

The National Labor Relations Board has agreed to investigate a Portland nursing home for unfair labor practices. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

Recently, several staff members of the Laurelhurst Village Nursing Home contacted the Service Employees International Union in the hope of organizing their own union.

But they say managers did everything in their power to stop them: from issuing a new rule barring off-duty employees from the facility, to firing one organizer.

Local 503 spokesman, Edward Hershey, says staff have a right to vote on whether they want a union.

Edward Hershey: “In 11 separate situations the management of Laurelhurst Village violated the rights of its employees to organize.”

A spokeswoman from Laurelhurst Village says there has been no retaliation against any employees because of their union activity, and that the company will vigorously defend itself.

A labor relations hearing is scheduled for July 14th.