We have created this website to provide information on union representation and what that could mean for you and the Public Safety Department. We know you understand the serious nature of this decision and hope you will use this website as a resource to gather information.
We recognize that various employee groups around the country, including right here in Rochester, have looked at union representation as a way to possibly have a greater say in their workplace. However, we hope you see that you already have tremendous input, through multiple avenues, including huddles and staff meetings, leadership rounding, employee surveys and other forums, on issues that impact our culture, work environment, professional development and patient care.
We, and our entire leadership team, are here to support you and provide you with the information you will need to make an informed decision. So, ask questions, collect the facts, learn about your options and their potential impact, and always understand documents that you sign.
Thank you for all that you do for Highland Hospital, our patients and our community.
Steve Goldstein, President and CEO
Kathy Parrinello, Incoming President and CEO
Consistent with our values, we respect the rights and opinions of all our employees and believe it is up to you to choose whether or not union representation is right for you. It is your decision.
While the decision about union representation is always up to you, we believe a direct relationship with our employees works best. We truly are a stronger organization when we can work together on issues that impact you, our culture, work environment, professional development, and patient care.
Specifically, without a union, the following is, and has for a long time been, true at Highland:
We believe that a direct relationship makes us stronger as we work together on issues that impact our culture, work environment, professional development and patient care. We also recognize and support that it is your decision whether or not to join a union.
Highland Hospital will always follow federal labor laws and be guided by our own high standards and values. These laws provide each employee with the same rights to campaign “for” or “against” unionization. We uphold these rights and respect the views of all employees. Each of you has the right to:
Q: What can I do if I’m feeling harassed?
A: It is possible that employee discussions about the union election, perhaps both for and against unionization, will occur at work prior to the election. There is nothing improper about such discussions so long as they comply with applicable policy. At the same time, under our Harassment policy it is never ok to be harassed regarding any topic. If you believe you are being harassed by others, please contact your leader or Human Resources immediately to report the situation.
Yes. You have the legal right to speak and organize “for” or “against” union representation. Federal law protects your right to talk to your fellow employees during non-work time about your views, organize with fellow employees to make your collective views known, distribute information and attend meetings or gatherings to discuss the pros or cons of union representation.
No. Signing a card does not mean you have to vote for the union. The election is a secret ballot election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. Only you will know how you vote. It is your decision and your decision alone whether or not union representation is right for you.
No. Joining a union and obtaining Peace Officer status are two completely separate processes. A union cannot guarantee that Highland Hospital will be granted Peace Officer Status. While a union can raise this issue for discussion during collective bargaining, as we have discussed many times, there is a lengthy legislative process that needs to be navigated and it is ultimately up to New York State to approve the status of Peace Officers for Highland Hospital guards.
As you know from our prior conversations, Highland Hospital took action to obtain peace officer status last year. The Highland Hospital Board supported us to move ahead with the legislative process that is required to attain peace officer status. Unfortunately, as we shared with you at the time, after the decision was made to move forward, we learned we were too late in the year to seek peace officer status. We also made clear to our security team that since the Highland Hospital Board supported us moving forward, we planned to continue down this legislative path to seek peace officer status. Nothing has changed since we last spoke to our team about this, and this remains the plan of action.
Most unions require all members to pay dues (or similar payments called agency fees) in order to remain employed through what is called a “union security clause.” You can inquire with the union on how fees are used.
Highland has a good track record of listening to our employees’ concerns and implementing changes to make your job and work life better. We have made significant strides, both based on your recommendations as well as an overall review of the organizational needs. Recent examples of your feedback at work: