ALARIS HEALTH AT BOULEVARD EASTDownload PDFNational Labor Relations Board - Administrative Judge OpinionsFeb 18, 201622-CA-125076 (N.L.R.B. Feb. 18, 2016) Copy Citation JD–15–16 Guttenberg, NJ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BEFORE THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD DIVISION OF JUDGES ALARIS HEALTH AT BOULEVARD EAST and Cases 22-CA-125076 22-CA-125886 22-CA-131372 1199, SEIU UNITED HEALTHCARE 22-CA-140582 WORKERS EAST Saulo Santiago, Michael P. Silverstein, and Eric B. Sposito, Esqs., for the General Counsel. David F. Jasinski and Rebecca D. Winkelstein, Esqs. (Jasinski, P.C.), of Newark, New Jersey, for the Respondent. William S. Massey and Patrick J. Walsh, Esqs. (Gladstein, Reif & Meginniss, LLP), of New York, New York, for the Charging Party. DECISION STATEMENT OF THE CASE MICHAEL A. ROSAS, Administrative Law Judge. This proceeding was one of four cases tried ad seriatim involving Alaris Health’s New Jersey nursing homes and their unionized employees. Heard in Newark, New Jersey on September 8 through 10, 2015, the case addressed complaint allegations that Alaris Health at Boulevard East (Boulevard East, Palisades or Respondent), committed numerous unfair labor practices relating to 20141 bargaining for a new contract: (1) violated Section 8(a)(5) and (1) of the National Labor Relations Act (the Act)2 by refusing to meet with the Union’s chosen bargaining committee and then delaying and refusing to provide information requested by the Union which was relevant to bargaining; (2) violated Section 8(a)(1) by attempting to stifle employee participation in a likely strike through coercive interrogation, surveillance, threats of job loss, directing employees to remove union insignia from their clothing, imposing more onerous conditions on certain employees; and (3) violated Section 8(a)(3) and (1) by refusing to reinstate eight employee strikers after they unconditionally offered to return to work and changing the terms and conditions of employment of three of them.3 1 Unless otherwise indicated, all dates refer to 2014. 2 29 U.S.C. §§ 151–169. 3 The complaint was amended to modify complaint pars. 17, 20, 24, 25 and 44(b). In addition, the General Counsel subsequently withdrew pars. 28 and 29. JD–15–16 2 Boulevard East contends that the Charging Party, Service Employees International Union 1199 (the Union), is bogged down on past history in negotiating for successor contracts and engaged in a series of acts designed to “set up” Boulevard East for unfair labor practice charges, which it denies, and then used those charges to mask an economic strike at Boulevard East and the other three Alaris facilities as an unfair labor practice strike.5 On the entire record, including my observation of the demeanor of the witnesses, and after considering the briefs filed by the General Counsel, the Union, and Boulevard East,4 I make the following 10 FINDINGS OF FACT I. JURISDICTION Boulevard East, a corporation, operates a nursing home and rehabilitation center providing 15 in-patient medical care at its facility in Guttenberg, New Jersey, where it annually derives gross revenues in excess of $100,000 and purchases and receives goods valued in excess of $5,000 directly from points outside the State of New Jersey. Boulevard East admits, and I find, that it is an employer engaged in commerce within the meaning of Section 2(2), (6), and (7) of the Act, as well as a health care institution within the meaning of Section 2(14) of the Act, and the Union is a 20 labor organization within the meaning of Section 2(5) of the Act. II. ALLEGED UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES A. The Parties25 At the relevant times in this complaint, Boulevard East’s supervisors and agents included: Robert Smolin, the administrator; Amanda Furio (a/k/a Amanda Brett), the director of nursing; and Maria Rodriguez, the dietary director. David Jasinski, Esq., has served as Boulevard East labor counsel and chief negotiator during collective bargaining, accompanied by Mendy Gold, an 30 Alaris principal. Regina Figueroa is a Vice President of Alaris Health.5 Boulevard East and its predecessors have recognized the Union as the exclusive collective-bargaining representative of approximately 80 employees in successive collective- bargaining agreements, the most recent of which was effective from April 1, 2010, to March 31, 35 2014: 4 Notwithstanding my instruction that counsel submit one “omnibus” brief addressing all four cases, the General Counsel submitted separate briefs for each case. All four Respondents moved to strike the General Counsel’s briefs. I decided against such an extreme measure but, in order to ensure that there was no prejudice to Respondents, I permitted them to submit supplemental briefs in each case. Harborview declined the option. 5 Boulevard East admitted only that Smolin was a Section 2(11) supervisor. However, the undisputed facts established that Furio and Rodriguez were also statutory supervisors, while Jasinski and Figueroa acted as agents within the meaning of Section 2(13). JD–15–16 3 All CNAs, dietary, housekeeping, recreational aides, cooks, and all other employees excluding professional employees, registered nurses, LPN’s, confidential [employees], office clerical employees, cooks, supervisors, watchmen and guards.6 The Union’s leadership includes: Milly Silva, the executive vice president; Clauvice 5 Saint Hilaire, the vice president; and Ron McCalla and Christina Ozual, union organizers. During collective bargaining, the Union’s chief negotiator was William Massey, Esq., assisted by McCalla. Pursuant to the expiring agreement,7 the Union designated the following six Boulevard East employees as members of the bargaining committee: Zeinabou Banks, Glyndora Gomollion, Vicky Nieves, Walace Moreira, Rosa Aria and Oneida Paulino.10 Notwithstanding an employee strike in 2009 during negotiations over the 2010-2014 agreement, the parties enjoy a relationship that both describe as respectful. The parties began meeting shortly before the 2010 contracts expired for Boulevard East, Alaris at Castle Hill, Alaris at Rochelle Park, and Alaris at Harborview. However, controversy soon erupted over the 15 composition of the Union’s bargaining committee and information requested by the Union. B. The Union’s Information Requests 1. The December 27, 2013 request20 Saint Hilaire initiated the process for a new contract in a letter, dated December 27, 2013. He requested that Boulevard East engage in bargaining and offered alternative dates in February. He also requested that Boulevard East furnish the Union with the following information by January 24: detailed job descriptions and performance evaluations describing job duties for 25 bargaining unit positions; summary plan descriptions and related costs of available fringe benefits such as health insurance, disability, pension, profit sharing and 401(k) plans;8 numbers of employees covered by health insurance and related costs; temporary staffing agencies used and related costs; work schedules for each nursing unit from January to October 2013; OSHA injury and illness records for 2011-2013; health and safety policies; overtime work policies, shift 30 differentials, and premium pay; gross annual payroll information; cost reports submitted to Medicaid; and any other documents describing any terms and conditions of employment for unit members.9 Jasinski had several conversations with McCalla and Massey in January about dates to 35 commence collective bargaining. He apprised them several times that he would be engaged in a lengthy trial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during portions of January and February. The trial eventually started on February 9 and lasted until March 22. Rebecca Winklestein, Esq., Jasinski’s co-counsel in this proceeding, served a similar role in that case. 6 GC Exh. 202. 7 Section 17(c) of the agreement, entitled “Negotiations,” stated that the “Union negotiating committee, not to exceed six (6) Employees, shall be paid for up to three (3) negotiating sessions, by the Employer, at straight time rates, for all lost time from work.” 8 McCalla knew that none of the Alaris facilities maintained 401(k) plans at the time of the previous negotiations but credibly explained that it was a standard request that was made in the event that one was created during the term of the expired agreement. (Tr. 155.) 9 GC Exh. 203. JD–15–16 4 At some point during those discussions, Jasinski suggested a brief contract extension, but did not request an extension of time to respond to the Union’s December 27 information request.10 Neither Massey nor McCalla accepted that offer. McCalla did, however, express the Union’s preference to bundle all four contracts together during collective bargaining, echoing the 5 Union’s position during the 2007 negotiations. Consistent with his response in 2007, Jasinski refused, insisting there was a separate contract for each facility and each should be negotiated separately. He proposed bargaining dates of either March 27 or 31.11 In a letter, dated February 21, McCalla responded to Jasinski by agreeing to meet on 10 either day and break out negotiations into separate bargaining sessions for each facility. However, he also proposed to have an initial session with the bargaining committees for all four facilities present in order for union officials to open with their remarks: In our discussions concerning bargaining dates you said you have possible availability on 15 March 27 and definite availability on March 31. We request that we use one of those dates to begin bargaining at Alaris Health at Boulevard East, Alaris Health at Castle Hill, Alaris Health at Harbor View, and Alaris Health at Rochelle Park. If we need to move the bargaining session for a different facility tentatively scheduled for the 31st, so be it. As you know the four Alaris contracts expire on the March 31, 2014 and we’ve yet to 20 receive any response to information requests sent to the facilities on December 27, 2013. We believe it’s important to start bargaining before the contracts expire as it’s our desire to reach contract settlements in these facilities as quickly as possible. While we understand the employer’s position on separate bargaining tables for each 25 facility and our agreement to hold four separate meetings on the first day of bargaining we believe it would be advisable to add a fifth initial session with all facilities and bargaining committees present to give our union leader Milly Silva and counsel Bill Massey an opportunity to address the proceedings before we break into separate sessions. This would obviously be an opportunity for management representatives to speak directly 30 with the employees and Union officials. 10 There is no dispute regarding Jasinski’s assertion regarding his past practice of providing a response to the Union’s information requests on the first day of negotiations. (Tr. 2152-2154.) Moreover, his testimony that he told McCalla in January and Massey in February that he would not have an opportunity to delve into the December 27 information request was also undisputed. However, in light of Massey’s March 13th email demanding a response to the information request, it is clear that the Union never consented to delayed document production until March 27. (Tr. 1994-1995; GC Exh.7; R. Exh. 104.) It is also likely that Jasinski, an experienced labor litigator who defended against the Union’s unfair labor practice charges resulting from previous contract negotiations, would have mentioned such an agreement or understanding in subsequent written communications. (Tr. 1550-1552.) 11 Massey conceded that it was Jasinski’s longstanding position to negotiate each contract separately, but noted that there were occasions prior to 2014 when the employer agreed to bargain two to four facilities at different times on the same day. (Tr. 926-928.) Jasinski conceded that in 2010 all four contracts were essentially bargained at the same time in the final bargaining session based on an off-the- record meeting involving delegates from all four facilities. (Tr. 1509-1510.) JD–15–16 5 Please let us know which of these dates would be your preference.12 In a letter, dated February 26, Jasinski confirmed the proposed bargaining dates and agreed to the proposal to have Silva and Massey open with remarks, but insisted they make them at the beginning of each bargaining session for each of the facilities. He also renewed his request 5 for a 90-day contract extension, but made no mention of the December 27 information request: We are in receipt of your letter identifying a number of facilities whose contracts expire on March 31, 2014. A brief response is warranted. 10 Each identified facility is a separate and independent operation with its own collective bargaining agreement covering employees for that particular facility. They maintain separation operations, including all necessary staff. Each facility is unique and the bargaining history at each facility recognizes its independence. 15 In light of these undisputed facts, we will adhere to our prior practice and not agree to joint bargaining. Of course, Milly Silva and Bill Massey may present the Union’s respective positions for each facility at each bargaining session and, quite candidly, we welcome their attendance. 20 We are available and confirm the March 27 and 31 dates for each facility. Please notify me of the times to commence negotiations for each facility. In scheduling for these sessions, we request notification of the members of the bargaining committee who will be attending. We request these names at least two (2) weeks in advance to avoid any disruption in our staffing. Bargaining sessions, as in our prior negotiations, will take 25 place at the Union's offices in Edison. Finally, in a spirit of good faith and cooperation, as discussed, we will agree to the extension of each collective bargaining agreement for an additional ninety (90) days. This additional time will afford all parties the opportunity to formulate its bargaining positions 30 and engage in give-and-take at the bargaining table in an effort to reach an amicable agreement that balances the needs of all parties. Should the Union wish to jumpstart the negotiations and submit its initial proposals to us prior to the initial bargaining session, we will accept and review each proposal. Thank you.13 35 On March 13, McCalla emailed Jasinski to inform him that each of the four Alaris facilities would receive releases for bargaining committee members that day by fax and certified mail. Massey followed up with an email later that day regarding the commencement of bargaining and the outstanding information requests: 40 This is to follow up on Ron’s correspondence below concerning the start of bargaining with the four Alaris facilities. As you are likely aware, on December 27, 2013, the Union, 12 Jasinski’s testimony regarding assurances by McCalla about negotiating the contracts separately is consistent with McCalla’s documented agreement to do that— subject to an opening statement by Silva at the beginning of negotiations. The assurances of separate bargaining, however, made no mention of the composition of Boulevard East’s bargaining committee. (GC Exh. 5; Tr. 869, 1426-1427.) 13 GC Exh. 6. JD–15–16 6 via Vice-President Clauvice St. Hilaire, served information requests on the four Alaris facilities, copies of which are attached hereto for your convenience. Clauvice requested that the sought after documents be produced to the Union by January 24, 2014. We are now in March, only a couple of weeks away from sitting down to start negotiations, and I understand that none of the four facilities has produced even a single document to the 5 Union. Similarly, I am advised that the facilities have not requested an extension of time nor an explanation for the delay in producing these documents, which are relevant and necessary for bargaining. Please have the four facilities produce the requested information as soon as possible, but no later than March 18, 2014. Please advise your clients to supply information as it becomes available rather than waiting to assemble all 10 the information requested. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Best regards.14 2. The March 14th information request In a letter, dated March 14, Massey followed up on his email to Jasinski from the day 15 before, insisting on a response to the December 27, 2013 information request by March 18. In addition, Massey made a supplemental request for the most current payroll roster, daily schedules from January to December 2013 (to the extent not already covered by the previous request), actuarial plan values, and specific health insurance plan documents. The health insurance documents sought included any relating to summary plan descriptions, costs, terms of 20 coverage, census data reflecting plans selected by employees, actuarial and utilization plan values, and requests for proposals and financial impact related information.15 3. The March 27 bargaining session 25 On March 27, Jasinski arrived at 11 a.m. for the first bargaining session at the Union’s offices in Iselin, New Jersey. Massey, McCalla, Saint Hilaire, Silva and Ozual were present, accompanied by approximately 20-25 employee delegates from the four facilities. Two days were set aside for bargaining. Bargaining was to start with the Castle Hill contract and be followed by negotiations over the Harborview, Boulevard East, and Rochelle Park contracts.30 After waiting about an hour for Gold to arrive, Jasinski agreed to start the Castle Hill negotiations. Milly Silva and Massey opened with brief opening remarks. After reviewing the sign-in sheet, Jasinski protested the presence of employee-members from Harborview, Boulevard East and Rochelle Park. He proclaimed Castle Hill’s readiness to commence Castle Hill 35 negotiations, but noted each contract was different and the parties had not previously engaged in joint bargaining. Massey replied that the Union was entitled to bargain with a team of its 14 Jasinski’s testimony established that he never had an agreement from the Union for an extension of time to respond to the December 27 information request. When asked on direct examination about that request, Jasinski simply lumped that issue in with his interest in a contract extension. (Tr. 1416-1418.) Massey had no recollection of any such conversation, but “could appreciate . . . that it would be difficult to do lots of other work while [Jasinski was] on trial.” (Tr. 930-931.) Nevertheless, while corresponding during that time over the logistics and dates for bargaining, Jasinski simply ignored Massey’s March 13th reminder to provide the information in advance of the March 27 bargaining session. (Tr. 926, 929-930, 1416-1418; GC Exh. 7.) 15 This request refined the previous request for monthly work schedules from one that sought daily work schedules. (GC Exh. 8.) JD–15–16 7 choosing. Jasinski disagreed, accused the Union of playing games and was prepared to leave if employees from the other three facilities did not leave. Massey asked him to reconsider and reiterated that the Union was entitled to pick its own bargaining team. At that point, Jasinski provided a packet of information relating to Castle Hill’s December 27 information request and retreated to a caucusing room.165 Shortly thereafter, Massey and McCalla went to speak with Jasinski. They asked him to relent, but neither side budged over the composition of the Union’s bargaining committee. That conversation ended when Gold arrived and Jasinski asked to confer with his client. A few minutes later, Jasinski and Gold returned to the negotiation room. After confirming the Union’s 10 continued position regarding the composition of the bargaining committee, Jasinski said that they would leave. At no point during this meeting did Jasinski assert confidentiality concerns as a reason for excluding employees from the other Alaris facilities during Castle Hill bargaining sessions. 15 The parties then discussed future dates for bargaining and Jasinski provided Massey with packets responsive to the December 27 information requests by Harborview, Boulevard East, and Rochelle Park. The cover letter in each packet conveyed Jasinski’s view that the Union previously requested the information: 20 Enclosed please find a copy of the requested information. As you will see, much of the information was already in the position of the Union and available to the Union via its members. We are glad to provide you with another copy. Should you have any additional questions or require additional information, please advise.17 25 Before Jasinski and Gold left, the Union did not submit a proposal.18 Silva did, however, ask about rumors that Boulevard East would be demolished to make way for apartment building development. Jasinski replied that the Boulevard East question did not apply to the Castle Hill negotiation, while Gold said that there was nothing to report. Jasinski said he would get back to them about Boulevard East. Shortly thereafter, Jasinski and Gold left and did not return in order 30 to commence bargaining over Harborview, Boulevard East and Rochelle Park. In a letter, dated April 1, Jasinski proposed dates for the resumption of bargaining for the Boulevard East contract: 35 After the abbreviated March 27th bargaining session, I want to reiterate that we are available to meet on April 1st, 2nd and 3rd to continue negotiations for the referenced facility. We understand that the Union did not believe it was prudent to meet on any of those dates since it needed additional time to review information. In light of the 16 I credit Jasinski’s undisputed testimony that some delegates in attendances made side remarks, sneered, and laughed, but not his conclusion that their conduct made it “not conducive to bargaining.” If that were true, Jasinski, an experienced labor litigator, would have raised that as a concern. He made no mention of their conduct as he walked out. (Tr. 80-83, 870-872, 1432-1434.) 17 GC Exh. 204. 18 Boulevard East notes the discrepancy in testimony between Massey and Saint Hilaire as to whether the Union was prepared to issue its proposals if the bargaining sessions had gone forward. (Tr. 938, 1059.) JD–15–16 8 upcoming religious holidays, we confirmed that we are available on April 28th and 29th, and also offered April 30th and May 1st to meet on any one of those dates for this facility. We believe that it is best to dedicate one of these days for this facility only and not piggyback any other negotiations for the designated dates. The employees deserve our undivided attention. Unfortunately, despite our admitted avai1ability, the Union has 5 not confirmed any of those dates at this time. If the Union is interested in meeting to continue negotiations at this facility, we ask that you confirm one of those dates for this facility. In addition, if you are interested in moving the negotiations forward, if we receive your written proposal prior to our next 10 session, it will give us the ability to review it and prepare a response and to continue good faith bargaining. Finally, we again express our willingness to extend the current collective bargaining agreement for an additional period of time to afford the parties the opportunity to 15 continue negotiations in good faith, and seek to reach an amicable resolution that balances the needs of your members with the facility and the care for our residents. Thank you.19 In his reply later that day, McCalla documented the parties’ March 27 meeting, disagreed 20 with the four facilities’ “refusal to hold bargaining sessions for more than one facility per day” as “unreasonable and a poor use of the time and resources of all parties.” Notwithstanding Jasinski’s position, McCalla proposed to commence separate bargaining dates for each facility as follows: Castle Hill on April 28; Boulevard East on April 29; Rochelle Park on May 1; and Harborview on May 2:25 As discussed on March 27, we reiterate that your clients' refusal to hold bargaining sessions for more than one facility per day is unreasonable and a poor use of the time and resources of all parties. That said, assuming the Employers have not reconsidered on this issue, the Union confirms our agreement from last week to bargain on April 28 and April 30 29, we accept your offer to bargain, on May 1, and we offer May 2 for a fourth session. We propose the following sequence:20 4. The Union’s follow-up request 35 In a letter to Jasinski, dated April 9, Massey expressed concern over the facilities’ failures to provide the Union with the information described in items 10, 11, and 12 of the December 27 request, and items 2, 3(b), (c), and (e) through (1) of the March 14 request. In addition, Massey noted that the responses to items 14 and 15 of the December 27 request and item 3(a) of the March 14 request were incomplete. He asked for the outstanding information to be provided by 40 April 15.21 19 GC Exh. 205. 20 GC Exh. 11. 21 GC Exh. 21. JD–15–16 9 On April 21, Jasinski responded by reminding Massey that “each facility is separate and we provided separate information for each facility. In the future, we request that any inquiry be addressed for the individual facility.” In response to items 10 and 11, Jasinski stated that there were no documents because the facility had not used agency personnel to perform bargaining unit work. Item 12 was noted to be voluminous and Jasinski proposed that the Union “accept a 5 representative sample of work schedule[s] for a limited period of time.” As to items 14 and 15, Jasinski referred Massey to the employee handbook.22 In a separate letter dated the same day, Jasinski responded to the Union’s March 14 supplemental request by noting that items 1 and 3 were previously provided, while item 2 was burdensome and unnecessary. Jasinski requested the Union to refine it to one not as overbroad.2310 5. The April 29 bargaining session The parties subsequently agreed to resume the Boulevard East contract negotiations on April 29. Prior to that session, the Union undertook a propaganda blitz in a flier distributed to the 15 employees at the four facilities: At our first bargaining session on Thursday, March 27th, we came prepared to bargain with management at each of our four facilities. But management refused to sit face to face with our full bargaining team to discuss their proposals. They want to divide us and 20 weaken us, but we won't let that happen! We won't wait years for a new contract! For more information, contact your organizer, Christina Ozual at [xxx-xxx-xxxx]. The next negotiations are scheduled for Monday, 4/28 and Tuesday, 4/29. Let's all be ready to stand strong and speak with one voice!24 25 At the April 29 bargaining session, Jasinski and Gold met with Massey, McCalla, Silva, Saint Hilaire the six bargaining committee members from Boulevard East. This time, there was no controversy regarding the composition of the Union’s bargaining team. Massey gave Jasinski the Union’s written proposals, but reminded him that the Union was still waiting for the CNA daily work schedules and health insurance related information. In response to Jasinski’s letter 30 asserting the 12-month request was burdensome, Massey agreed a day earlier during the Castle Hill negotiations to accept three months of daily work schedules. Jasinski said he would get back to the Union regarding the requests. Massey also asked about the rumors that Boulevard East would be replaced by an apartment building. Jasinski replied that there was nothing new to report and refused to respond to rumors2535 6. The Employee Schedules In a letter, dated May 14, Jasinski furnished Massey with the monthly staffing schedules at Boulevard East for each floor for all shifts from February 1 to May 25. The monthly schedules 40 22 GC Exh. 207. 23 GC Exh. 206. 24 GC Exh. 44. 25 The Union does not dispute that, notwithstanding Boulevard East’s failure or refusal to provide necessary information requested on December 27 and March 14, it was still able to submit a fairly comprehensive proposal. (GC Exh. 221; R. 202; Tr. 1926-1932, 2745-2749.) JD–15–16 10 reflected projected CNAs’ work schedules and floor assignments.26 On May 21, Jasinski responded to Massey’s additional information request: In response to your additional information request, we have provided you with all relevant information. Most recently, we supplemented our initial response with schedules 5 for this Facility. The additional information which you have requested is simply without merit. You are well aware of this fact, since similar information was requested when the SEIU responded that the information was not available, since it would be a violation of HIPAA.27 10 It is disconcerting that the Union now requests information which it has previously been unable or refused to provide in negotiations. It was either an oversight or, worse, disingenuous, to make these requests. We are prepared to continue to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that balances 15 the interests of our employees and your members with those of the Facility. Should you have any other questions, please advise.28 The parties met again for bargaining on May 27. Massey again opened with a statement that the information provided in response to the Union’s request was not satisfactory because it 20 lacked the requested health insurance information and consisted of projected monthly schedules instead of work schedules reflecting actual work performed by CNAs.29 Massey also asked about the status of Boulevard East’s zoning application to convert the facility into an apartment building. Jasinski insisted that the monthly schedules were sufficient and Massey explained the relevance of the more accurate daily work schedules, which reflect the days and shifts actually 25 worked. With respect to the conversion of the facility into an apartment building, Jasinski again professed to have no knowledge and added that “these things take years.” After engaging in bargaining, Jasinski provided and explained Boulevard East’s counterproposals.30 7. The June 16 bargaining session30 The June 16 bargaining session opened, as usual, with the Union’s request for daily work schedules and health insurance information needed for bargaining. Once again, Jasinski disagreed, insisting the Union already had the information and did not need anything further. During the bargaining that ensued, Jasinski dismissed the Union’s staffing proposals based on 35 the CBA’s management rights clause reserving it unilateral control over staffing. The parties then engaged in bargaining, with Jasinski providing Boulevard East’s latest contract proposals.31 26 GC Exh. 208. 27 During the hearing, Jasinski sought to undermine the Union’s need for health insurance information based on the lack of health or safety-related grievances filed and focused on several CBA provisions: Sec. 8 (grievance and arbitration procedure); and Sec. 29(c) (Health and Safety Committee whose purpose “shall be to identify and recommend preventative measures where appropriate”). 28 GC Exh. 209. 29 Saint Hilaire credibly testified that Boulevard East employees complained to him about short- staffing, health insurance and vacation issues. (Tr. 1012-1013.) 30 GC Exh. 221 at 11-16. 31 GC Exh. 221 at 17-21. JD–15–16 11 On July 30, Jasinski replied to the Union’s continuing request for health plan information and employees’ daily schedules: We want to be clear and avoid any misunderstanding regarding your multiple information 5 requests. The Employer has been fully responsive. The latest request purportedly asked for supplemental information for the Employer's health plan which was nothing more than harassment, grounded in bad faith, and not intended to facilitate contract negotiations. It is intended to only stall negotiations. We are not about to allow that to happen. At the negotiations, we informed you that the Employer is not in possession of 10 such information and/or the Union is requesting confidential information. We reiterated, at the bargaining table, it is irrelevant, unnecessary and not intended to facilitate contract negotiations. In addition, the Union requested information concerning work schedules at this facility. 15 We provided the Union with the master list which represents our work schedules. This is the only relevant information, and it was provided. As stated across the bargaining table, the Employer will neither waive nor modify its rights as set forth in the Managements Rights clause of the collective bargaining 20 agreement. Staffing has historically been a right reserved to this administration, and we will not give-up in this contract negotiation our unilateral right to determine staffing at this Facility. We will reject any Union proposal that modifies our rights concerning staffing levels on the units and the way we staff this Facility. That is our final position and we will not deviate from it.25 Once again, we suggest the Union focus on the negotiation of a new collective bargaining agreement for our employees. We are puzzled with the Union's refusal to meet or provide, dates for parties to bargain in good faith. We reiterate our request for new dates to continue to negotiate.3230 8. The August 25 Bargaining Session The parties next met for bargaining on August 25. Massey reiterated the Union’s need for the outstanding daily work schedules and health insurance information for bargaining. Jasinski 35 did not respond to that inquiry and the parties engaged in bargaining.33 C. Employees Prepare for a Possible Strike Beginning in March, Ozual or Saint Hilaire met periodically with employees at the 40 facility. Speaking to the employees in English and Spanish, they provided contract education, bargaining updates, and listened to complaints. The bargaining updates included the significant issues involving in bargaining such as health insurance coverage, pension plan funding, staffing, and the rumored demolition of Boulevard East. Ozual and Saint Hilaire also informed employees 32 GC Exh. 210. 33 GC Exh. 131 at 22. JD–15–16 12 about Boulevard East’s refusal to meet with the Union’s bargaining committee on March 27 and its refusal to provide requested information.34 By May, the Union recommended that employees step up the pressure on the four Alaris facilities. On May 19, several Boulevard East employees participated in informational picketing.5 Sandra Mejia, Maria Goris, Norma Diaz, Lorena Aguilar, Lovette Howard and Walace Moreira carried signs containing several exclamatory messages to Boulevard East: “1199 Stop Unfair Labor Practices,” “Be Fair To Those Who Care,” and “Contract Now!”35 Boulevard East management did not stand idly by as the union pressure increased. On 10 June 16, dietary director Maria Rodriguez approached a group of dietary employees gathered outside the facility. She asked the group, which included Lorena Aguilar and assistant dietary director Elliot Fernandez, when the strike would begin and warned that anyone who went on strike would be fired. Someone replied that the employer could replace them during the strike, but could not fire them and would be required to reinstate them upon returning from the strike. 15 At that point, one of the employees saw Ozual, brought her over to the group and repeated what Rodriguez said. Ozual reinforced what the employees told her and explained they were within their rights to engage in a strike and return to work. Rodriguez disagreed, insisting that “this is my kitchen . . . and I let back who I want in this kitchen . . . and you’re not coming back after the strike . . . 3620 Also in June, Rodriguez told Aguilar to go to Smolin’s office. When Aguilar and two coworkers arrived, Smolin asked if they were going on strike. Aguilar said she was going on strike because the employees insisted on a fair contract. Smolin replied that the Union was at fault and was unwilling to sign a contract. Aguilar, having attended the bargaining sessions, told 25 Smolin that was not true.37 Thereafter, the Union gradually increased the public pressure. In July, the Union’s New Jersey communications coordinator, Bryn Loyd-Bollard, created “Alarisk.com”, a website devoted to the Union’s bargaining campaign against the four Alaris facilities. The website’s 30 home page included a news alert providing the economic motives behind a potential strike: NEWS ALERT: HUNDREDS OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS STRIKE AFTER CONTRACT TALKS SOUR. 35 Don't put your health at alarisk. Stand up for quality care and good jobs in nursing home. Stand with nursing home residents, families and caregivers and tell the owners of Alaris Health (formerly Omni Health Systems) to settle a far contract that protects patients and workers.40 34 It is undisputed that Ozual, accompanied occasionally by Saint Hilaire, followed a similar practice of updating employees, as well as receiving their complaints, at each of the four Alaris facilities. (Tr. 1003-1011, 1012-1013, 1158-1187, 1206-1207.) 35 GC Exh. 213. 36 Fernandez did not dispute Aguilar’s credible testimony. (Tr. 2323-2326, 2645-2647.) Rodriguez did not testify. 37 Smolin did not dispute Aguilar’s credible testimony on this point. (Tr. 2328-2330.) JD–15–16 13 Despite making $41 million in profit in 2012, many Alaris nursing homes suffer from substandard staffing levels while hardworking caregivers live in poverty. The overwhelming majority of Alaris nursing home employees earn less than $25,000 a year, and some have to rely on public assistance just to make ends meet.5 Our communities depend on skilled caregivers to provide for our loved ones in their times of need. They deserve better. We deserve better.38 On July 23, Silva convened a press conference in Jersey City near Alaris’ corporate headquarters. There were elected officials and approximately 10 employees from Alaris facilities 10 in attendance. In prepared remarks that followed, Silva excoriated Alaris for a mélange of reasons as justification for a possible future strike, including unfair labor practices and regressive economic proposals. We are here today because Alaris Health, the multimillion dollar for-profit nursing chain 15 based here in Journal Square, is showing a callous disregard for the wellbeing of the communities in which they operate. The owners of Alaris are violating the rights of its employees, they are raking in huge profits while maintaining substandard staffing levels, and they are planning to demolish 20 one of their long-term care facilities without being forthright to the nursing home’s residents or caregivers about their plans. We are here to demand that Alaris start acting responsibly. The women and men standing beside me play a critical role as caregivers to some of the 25 most vulnerable people in our communities. It is essential that their rights and dignity as workers be upheld, because there is a connection between the quality of life of caregivers and the quality of care for patients. It is of grave concern to us that Alaris has committed numerous unfair labor practices and 30 continues to act in the same disrespectful and illegal manner as they did five years back, when they operated under the name Omni Health Systems. We do not want a repeat of 2009, when hundreds of nursing home workers had no choice but to go on strike in order to protect standards for good jobs and quality patient care. Omni may have changed their name to Alaris, but it seems that they haven't changed their ways.35 After nearly four months and 16 bargaining sessions, 450 caregivers at four Alaris Health nursing homes are still working under expired contracts. All they are asking for are the basics to make ends meet—something that must be insisted upon for every healthcare worker who, as a fundamental requirement of her job, needs to remain physically and 40 mentally healthy. Yet instead of moving forward, Alaris wants to further erode job standards in nursing homes. They’re asking low-wage workers, who earn less than $23,000 a year full-time, to pay even more for health insurance and to reduce critical benefits including sick leave. 45 38 GC Exh. 48. JD–15–16 14 Many workers already have no choice but to enroll in public assistance just to get their children the healthcare they need, and the concessions that Alaris is seeking will only make the situation worse. We will not let vital healthcare jobs suffer so that Alaris, which makes $40 million in 5 profit a year, can walk away with even more. It is disgraceful that Avery Eisenreich, the principal owner of Alaris, which receives literally hundreds of millions of dollars in Medicaid and Medicare funding each year to provide care to the elderly and vulnerable, decides to pocket millions for himself before 10 making sure that the caregivers who work directly with patients have what they need to get by. Avery has also failed to address persistent staffing shortages at these four facilities, each of which have certified nursing assistant staffing levels below both state and national 15 averages. Our union has proposed a framework for addressing staffing shortages, but management has for months failed to provide the union with requested information on staffing and has refused to negotiate over this critically important issue. And in Guttenberg, where Avery Eisenreich owns a facility on Boulevard East that is 20 home to 100 elderly and frail residents, he plans to demolish the nursing home in order to build luxury high-rise apartments. He is not being upfront about what his plans are, and the nursing home’s residents, their family members, and workers have been left in the dark. This is incredibly disrespectful to everyone who depends on Boulevard East, either as a patient or as an employee.25 In many ways, Alaris is acting in complete disregard for the community. We are here today to say that enough is enough. We do not want to strike. Our members would rather be doing the job they love and caring for their residents instead of walking the picket line. But they are ready to strike if they have to, to protect quality care and good jobs.30 I’d like to introduce you to a few members of 1199, who work at Alaris nursing homes in Hudson and Bergen counties. They have been working very hard these past months to win a contract that respects their dignity as caregivers and as providers for their own families.3935 Jasinski knew about the Union’s July 23 press conference and discussed that event with Alaris corporate officials.40 D. Unit Employees Decide to Strike40 On August 27, Massey, Silva, McCall, Ozual, and Saint Hilaire met at the Union’s office in Iselin, New Jersey, with ten employee delegates from Harborview, Boulevard East and 39 GC Exh. 57. 40 Jasinski conceded that Alaris officials were provided with the details. (Tr. 1536-1538.) JD–15–16 15 Rochelle Park. Another six employees from Castle Hill participated by telephone. Rosa Arias and Lovette Howard were the delegates from Boulevard East. The union officials met with the employees for about 1-1/2 hours. McCalla laid out a case for a strike based on the Union’s inability to make significant headway in negotiations and the 5 wide gap between proposals. Massey followed with a recitation of the unfair labor practice charges filed for the four facilities and the complaints that he expected to be filed by the Board in September. He also provided an explanation of the difference between an economic strike and a strike premised on unfair labor practices. 10 Massey then proposed a resolution setting forth the reasons for going out on strike. At the conclusion, the employee delegates present voted to deliver ten-day notices to engage in a three- day strike. The group discussed and decided who would deliver the notices along with McCalla. The delegates were also instructed to tell the membership that the strike was authorized and it was motivated by economic and unlawful practice reasons.41 The employees present signed the 15 resolution and the six employees participating by telephone from Castle Hill voiced approval: At a meeting of the Alaris Bargaining Committee of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East ("the Union"), held at the Unions office in Iselin, NJ on August 27, 2014, upon the recommendation of Executive Vice President Milly Silva, the following 20 resolution was considered and adopted by the undersigned Committee members: WHEREAS, 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the collective bargaining representative of bargaining unit employees of Bristol Manor Health Care Center, Castle Hill Health Care Center, Harborview Healthcare Center and Palisades Nursing Center, all 25 affiliates of Alaris Health (collectively, "the Employer"); and WHEREAS the Union has bargained in good faith with the Employer to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement; and 30 WHEREAS, the Employer has Violated our rights by committing Unfair Labor Practices, specifically by failing and refusing to provide information requested by the Union that is needed for bargaining (especially health insurance and staffing information), unduly delaying in providing other information, and unlawfully interfering with the composition of the Union's bargaining committee and35 WHEREAS, Region 22 of the National Labor Relations Board has informed the Union that a Complaint against the Employer alleging multiple Unfair Labor Practices in connection with this unlawful conduct is forthcoming; and 40 WHEREAS, the Employer has continued to make unreasonable bargaining demands of the Union and its members; and 41 Art. IV, sec. 7 of the Union’s Constitution gives delegates the “responsibility of involving their members in all affairs of the Union. Article V, Section 6(b) states the rights of members ‘[t]o vote on all strike calls and strike settlements directly affecting the members as employees. Article VII, Section 11(1)(f) states that the’” Regional Delegate Assembly shall have the power to call strikes in its region, subject to the approval of the members directly involved and the executive council. (R. 106.) JD–15–16 16 WHEREAS the Employer has continued to commit additional Unfair Labor Practices, including by unlawfully polling and coercively interrogating Union members, and threatening Union members with adverse employment consequences for engaging in protected Union activity; and5 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Union and its members hereby determine to serve the Employer with the legally required ten-day notice of intent to engage in a rally and vigil at Castle Hill Healthcare Center on or about September 10, 2014, in response to the Employer's ongoing Unfair Labor Practices and unreasonable 10 bargaining position; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: the Union and its members hereby determine to serve the Employer with a subsequent legally required ten-day notice of intent to engage in a strike, for three days at each facility, in response to the Employer's ongoing Unfair 15 Labor Practices and unreasonable bargaining position.42 In a letter, dated August 29, Jasinski decried the Union’s justification in moving towards a strike, noting that it had been approximately two months since the parties’ last bargaining session. He referred to his request at the conclusion of their last session for future bargaining 20 dates, but the Union never proposed any. At this point, Jasinski suggested the parties resume negotiations during the weeks of either September 8 or 15. He concluded by attributing the standoff to the Union’s continuing request for ‘irrelevant and unnecessary” information, and the Union’s attempts to resurrect staffing proposals that were previously resolved.43 25 On September 6, the Union delivered to Boulevard East the contractually required 10-day notice of bargaining unit employees’ intention to go out on strike for three days: Notice is hereby given, pursuant to section 8(g) of the National Labor Relations Act, that 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, New Jersey Region and the employees it 30 represents intend to conduct a strike and picketing at Harborview located at 178-198 Ogden Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07 306. The strike and informational picket are to protest the Employer's ongoing Unfair labor Practices and the Employer's unreasonable bargaining demands. The strike will commence at 6:00 AM on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 and end at 6:59 AM on Saturday, September 20, 2014.4435 Such action had been submitted to the membership for a vote in past years, as required by the Union’s constitution.45 In this instance, unit members were informed of the scheduled strike 42 It is undisputed that the strike resolution was not disseminated to the entire union membership for a vote as required by the Union's constitution. (GC Exh. 15.) 43 GC Exh. 211. 44 GC Exh. 212. 45 Boulevard East correctly notes that a membership strike vote was not conducted in accordance with the Union’s constitution. However, the vote of the delegates was subsequently ratified by the membership’s actions in going on strike and Boulevard East failed to cite any CBA or other legal provision supporting the notion that the delegate’s strike vote was null and void or that it even has standing to raise such a procedural objection. (R. Exh. 106 at 5-7.) JD–15–16 17 and provided with reasons attributing the strike action to Boulevard East’s bargaining posture and unfair labor practices.46 On the same day, Jasinski emailed Massey, questioning the Union’s motives and cancelling proposed bargaining dates in September in order for his clients to dedicate their “time, 5 effort and our resources to ensuring the strike contingency plan at each Facility that received a strike notice is in place and fully operational.”47 E. Supervisors Statements Prior To The Strike 10 Around the same time, the Union began mobilizing employees for the strike. Saint Hilaire and/or Ozual met with Boulevard East employees 2-3 times a week in the break room to answer employees’ questions and rally support for the strike. In doing so, they distributed informational flyers and addressed concerns regarding Boulevard East’s alleged unfair labor practices, including the aforementioned statements by supervisors.48 They also explained that the 15 strike was motivated by the desire to pressure Boulevard East to agree to their contract proposals and put a stop to its unfair labor practices.49 Sometime in August, Smolin called several CNAs into a meeting in the main office. Amanda Furio, the nursing director, was also present. The CNAs present included Elizabeth 20 Christie-Duran, Sandra Mejia, Yavida Mena and Rosa Fernandez. Smolin acknowledged the lack of an agreement between the Union and Boulevard East and understood there would be a strike. He then proceeded to ask each employee if they were going to participate in the strike. Christie- Duran said she would go out on strike. After the others also responded, Smolin warned that if they went on strike, they could lose their jobs. Christie-Duran took issue with that assertion, 25 insisting it was within employees’ rights to go on strike. Smolin replied that he would hire replacements and there would be no work for returning employees. Furio chimed in at that point, acknowledging employees’ rights to strike, but urging the employees to appreciate the risk of “winding up without a job.” Smolin did not end the inquiry there. About a week later he asked Christie-Duran while she was working if she was going on strike. Christie-Duran said yes.5030 In early September, Smolin increased the pressure on employees by calling them into meetings in his office. He was accompanied by Furio and Linda Restrepo, the business office manager, who interpreted his comments into Spanish. Once there, he asked the employees if they were going to participate in the strike. Several CNAs, including Norma Diaz, Patricia Ruiz and 35 Maria Goris responded that they were going to participate in the strike. He continued to blame 46 Boulevard East refers to the testimony of several witnesses indicating that their strike participation was motivated by the employers’ bargaining positions. Interestingly, their testimony related to statements made in response to coercive interrogation or threats by Smolin, Furio and Rodriguez. (Tr. 2329-2330, 2336, 2346-2350, 2396-2397, 2401, 2403, 2409, 2452-2453, 2498-2499, 2526.) 47 R. Exh. 8. 48 GC Exhs. 44(c), (e) and (f); R. Exh. 4-5. 49 This finding is based on the credible and undisputed testimony of Ozual and Saint Hilaire. (Tr. 1013-1016, 1020-1022, 1024-1028, 1170, 1206, 1208-1210, 1212, 1216-1220, 1284-1286, 1290-1297, 1300, 1302-1303, 1306-1308.) 50 Christie-Duran and Sandra Mejia testified credibly about this encounter and their testimony was not disputed. (Tr. 2446-2451, 2516-2517.) JD–15–16 18 the controversy on the Union’s unwillingness to negotiate with Boulevard East and warned that strikers could be replaced. Also, while holding a document, he explained that it related to the previous strike and that 16 to 20 strikers were locked out and some were never reinstated.51 A few days after Aguilar served the Union’s 10-day strike notice, Smolin called Aguilar 5 and two other dietary employees into his office. Regina Figueroa, Alaris’ vice president, was present. Figueroa criticized the Union’s bargaining campaign and opined said that employees’ priorities should be their patients. Aguilar took issue, insisting employees cared for the patients, but management did not care about the employees. Smolin then referred to Boulevard East’s proposal for a $500 bonus for the employee of the month. Aguilar questioned that assertion, 10 given that she attended bargaining sessions. Smolin then warned that there would be changes if employees went on strike. He asked the three employees if they were going on strike and they responded in the affirmative.52 In early September, Rodriguez renewed her threats of termination. Rodriguez called 15 Aguilar into the dietary office and asked if she was going on strike. Aguilar said she was going to participate in the strike and Rodriguez replied that she would be fired. Aguilar held her ground, insisting she was within her right to strike and would be entitled to return after the strike. Rodriguez replied that she would do what she had to do. 20 Around the same time, Rodriguez remarked to dietary employee Walace Moreira while he was in her office getting supplies that anyone who participated in the strike would be replaced. A few days later, Rodriguez approached Moreira and Aguilar in the kitchen, asked if they would participate in the strike and warned that they would be replaced if they did.53 25 F. Alaris Supervisors Prohibit Union Insignia Boulevard East has a uniform policy prohibiting dietary employees from wearing jewelry or buttons in the kitchen. The policy reflected a safety concern regarding such items breaking and/or falling onto patients’ food trays. Several months prior to the strike, however, Smolin 30 began distributing buttons for supervisors to wear. The buttons read, “I Care. I am Alaris Health.” Rodriguez wore the button continuously, even in the kitchen area. In August, Smolin distributed the “I Care” button to employees. Aguilar received one and wore it on her uniform, even while working in the kitchen. 35 In late August or early September, several employees began wearing union buttons on their clothing during work time. One button bore the Spanish version of “We Care For New Jersey” while the other stated “We don’t want to strike, but we will if we have to, 1199 SEIU.”54 However, Rodriguez instructed Moreira on two occasions and Aguilar once to remove them during work time because they were not part of the dietary department uniform. The employees 40 took issue with her directive, but complied.55 51 This finding is based on the credible and undisputed testimony of Diaz and Goris. (Tr. 2497-2450, 2525-2526.) 52 Aguilar’s testimony was not disputed. (Tr. 2347-2352, 2419.) 53 Again, the credible testimony of Aguilar and Moreira was undisputed. (Tr. 2363-2354, 2543-2545.) 54 GC Exhs. 216-217. 55 Assistant dietary supervisor Elliott Fernandez testified regarding the existence of, and reasons for, JD–15–16 19 The prohibition against pro-union buttons, however, was not limited to work time in the kitchen. In late August, as Moreira ate lunch in the employee dining room, Smolin approached him and told him to remove the “We Don’t Want To Strike” button. Smith then proceeded to post a letter on the Union bulletin board. The letter stated, in pertinent part:5 Dear Employee: We have to be careful when caring for our residents because information can be misrepresented and misperceived and can cause the resident to become anxious. Any information that is worm on the uniform such as a button that can be interpreted as threatening to a resident may not be worn at Boulevard East unless approved by the 10 administration. A button such as “Alaris Health, I Care” is ok to wear on the uniform. If you have any questions, please contact me, Thank you, Robert Smolin.56 G. Alaris Supervisors Observe Employees During Prayer Vigil 15 On September 10, employees from all four facilities, including Norma Diaz from Boulevard East, participated in a prayer vigil and rally with Silva and their local State Assemblyman in front of Castle Hill.57 Flyers distributed to employees at the four facilities prior to the vigil referred to the upcoming strike relating to the facilities’ unfair labor practices and undermining of job standards.58 During the event, Castle Hill administrator Maurice Duran stood 20 about ten feet away. He could be heard saying that their action was a joke, there was nothing to worry about, it was just bad publicity, and it would not be a problem to do what he had to do next.59 The Union photographed the rally/vigil and depicted it in a flyer distributed on September 15.60 25 H. Alaris Prepares for the Strike In anticipation of its staffing needs prior to the strike, Boulevard East entered into contracts with three temporary staffing companies. Included in the agreements with Tristate Rehab Staffing and Towne Nursing were requirements that that Boulevard East retain their30 employees for minimum terms of four weeks. This was a peculiar development in light of the Union’s prior notice of a three-day strike. There was, however, no written agreement with Staff Blue.61 the uniform policy. He was unaware of employees wearing any buttons in the kitchen. (Tr. 2841-2844.) However, in light of Smolin’s corroborative memorandum, I credit the testimony of Moreira and Aguilar regarding the disparity between the employer’s restrictions against pro-union buttons while permitting them to wear company-issued buttons. (Tr. 2332-2338, 2547-2554, 2593; GC Exh. 219.) 56 GC Exh. 219. 57 GC Exh. 35. 58 GC Exh. 44(f). 59 I base the finding regarding the observation of employees on Castle Hill CNA Leanne Crawford’s credible and undisputed testimony. (Tr. 489-492.) Although his employment role was limited to Castle Hill, Duran conceded that he is engaged to Alaris official Ann Taylor. (Tr. 1584-1585.) 60 GC Exh. 44(b). 61 I did not credit Jasinski’s vague testimony regarding alleged negotiations by unidentified persons which resulted in Boulevard East agreeing to four week terms. (Tr. 2767, 2803; R. Exh. 11; GC Exhs. JD–15–16 20 I. The Strike Massey did not speak with Jasinski about the strike beforehand, but sent him an email and voice mail on September 15. On the same day, Jasinski called McCalla and requested he 5 alert employees not to walk off early because it could leave the facilities understaffed and compromise their licenses.62 On September 17, approximately 20-30 Boulevard East employees/unit members ceased work and engaged in a strike. The strikers included Walace Moreira, Elizabeth Christie-Duran, 10 Lovette Howard, Norma Diaz, Maria Goris, Erika Pena and Lorena Aguilar. Over the next three days, the striking employees picketed outside the facility. They included Sandra Mejia, who was on medical leave during the strike but returned to participate in the picket on September 18. The picketers’ signs demanded Boulevard East engage in good-faith bargaining and cease 15 committing unfair labor practices.63 As the employees picketed on the first and second days of the strike, Smolin stood in the lobby and took photographs of the picketing employees with his cell phone. Employees saw several flashes in their direction.64 During the three-day strike, Boulevard East covered the shifts of the striking CNAs with 20 22 temporary employees from the three staffing agencies.65 J. Employees Attempt to Return to Work On September 18, the second day of the strike, Jasinski informed Massey that some 25 strikers would not be allowed to return to work the next day because of the contractual commitments with the staffing agencies. Massey questioned why the facilities would make such a commitment if employees gave notice of a three-day strike. Jasinski explained that the facilities needed to be cautious in case the employees changed their minds and remained on strike for a longer period of time. Massey disagreed, noting that the Union’s history belied such a concern. 30 In an email sent later that day, Massey, on behalf of all Boulevard East employees/unit members who engaged in the strike, made an unconditional offer to return to their former or substantially equivalent positions of employment.66 On or after September 20, employees who participated in the strike reported to work at 35 Boulevard East. Miller and other employees who arrived to work the morning shift were directed to the dining room. When they arrived, most employees were met by a contingent of Furio, Restrepo, Figueroa and Rodriguez. Two kitchen aides, Moreira and Aguilar, were informed that 226, 233-234.) Linda Dooley, an Alaris officer who signed the agreements was available, but did not testify, and the circumstances by which the addenda were added were not explored. (Tr. 722, 2636.) 62 GC Exh. 28. 63 GC Exh. 19. 64 The credible testimony of Aguilar, Goris, Mejia and Moreira was undisputed. (Tr. 2356-2357, 2502-2503, 2519-2520, 2559.) 65 GC Exhs. 225-226, 236-237. 66 GC Exh. 28. JD–15–16 21 they were locked out. In addition, the following 6 CNAs were not immediately reinstated: Christie-Duran, Mejia, Goris, Diaz, Pena and Howard. K. Employees Are Eventually Reinstated 5 1. Walace Moreira. Moreira, a union shop steward for many years, worked as a full-time pot washer for the past 10 years. In that position, he worked an average of 75 hours per pay period on the 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. shift. After reporting to work on September 20, Rodriguez informed him that 10 someone else took his position during the strike and his “full time hours were no longer available.” She offered Moreira a part-time dishwasher position, which he reluctantly accepted.67 2. Lorena Aguilar 15 Prior to the strike, Aguilar worked as a full-time dietary aide on the 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. shift, with every other weekend and Tuesdays off. Her duties include preparing food trays, inspecting patient menu tickets, distributing food trays for delivery to patients and other tasks as needed. 20 Aguilar was off duty on September 20 but went into work to ascertain her status. She was informed by Rodriguez that she had been replaced. On September 22, Aguilar was offered a full- time dietary floater position, which Moreira had turned down. She accepted the offer. As a floater, Aguilar’s schedule changed from a consistent 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. to a variable 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On numerous occasions, her schedule was changed on short notice, requiring 25 her to come in at 6:00 a.m. even though she had been working until 9:00 p.m. the previous night. These duties continued until April 2015, when Aguilar became a cook. 3. Elizabeth Christie-Duran 30 Prior to the strike, Duran was a floater on the 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift, covering for other CNAs as needed. In that capacity, she cared for an equal number of total care and independent patients. On September 20, Christie-Duran was informed by Boulevard East management that she was not on the schedule for that day and would be called when there was work for her. Christie-Duran was reinstated on October 15. 35 4. Norma Diaz Prior to the strike, Diaz worked as a CNA on the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift as a floater. She attempted to return to work on September 20 but was informed that she had been replaced by a 40 temporary staffing agency worker for 4 weeks. She was reinstated 3 weeks later. 67 Subsequent developments regarding other positions offered to, but rejected by, Moreira are left for compliance. JD–15–16 22 5. Sandra Mejia Prior to the strike, Mejia worked as a CNA on the 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift, handling the permanent #2 assignment in the front nurse area of the facility. In that capacity, she worked approximately 16 hours of overtime every other weekend. 5 Mejia did not participate on the first day of the strike because she had a medical procedure on September 18. She was able, however, to join the picket line during the second day of the strike. Upon returning to work on September 20, she was told by a nurse serving as a messenger for Smolin or Furio that she was not on the reinstatement list as there was no work for 10 her because they hired a temporary employee for her position. Mejia immediately informed Massey, who reached out to Jasinski and explained that Mejia had been approved for medical leave during the strike.68 Mejia was reinstated on September 21 but was instead reassigned to other positions 15 because her position had been filled with a temporary agency employee. She returned to her position on September 24. After the strike, Mejia did not receive customary overtime for weekend work from October through March 2015.69 6. Lovette Howard20 Prior to the strike, Howard, a union delegate, worked as a full-time floater on the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift.70 She was locked out on September 20, but reinstated on September 23.71 7. Maria Goris25 Prior to the strike, Goris worked as a full-time CNA on the 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift.72 Her duties consisted of assignment 1 in 68 Nurse area, taking care of 10 patients.73 Goris participated in picketing all three days of the strike. She was locked out upon her return to work on September 22. Furio informed her at that time that she had no hours for her but would call when 30 something opened up. Goris was reinstated on September 28.74 8. Erika Pena Prior to the strike, Pena worked as full-time CNA in the 68 Nurse area, responsible for 35 assignment #1 on the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift.75 She participated in picketing on September 17 and 18. Upon returning to work on her next regularly scheduled day, September 30, Pena was informed that she had been replaced. Pena was reinstated on October 15. 68 GC Exh. 222. 69 GC Exh. 214 at 55 70 GC Exh. 208, 214. 71 GC Exhs. 214 at 48. 72 GC Exh. 208, 214. 73 GC Exh. 214. 74 GC Exh. 214 at 60. 75 GC Exh. 214. JD–15–16 23 LEGAL ANALYSIS I. BOULEVARD EAST’S OBJECTION TO THE UNION’S BARGAINING COMMITTEE5 The complaint alleges that Boulevard East violated Section 8(a)(5) and (1) of the Act by refusing to bargain with the Union on March 27, 2014 because employee representatives from the other three facilities were present. Boulevard East contends that its insistence that the Union’s bargaining committee be restricted solely to Boulevard 10 East employees was consistent with past practice. Additionally, Boulevard East contends that the parties' collective-bargaining agreement limited the Union's bargaining committee to six members. Section 7 of the Act guarantees employees and employers the right to “to bargain 15 collectively through representatives of their own choosing” and the Supreme Court has recognized this right as fundamental to the statutory scheme. NLRB v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp., 301 U.S. 1, 33 (1937). Generally, both parties have a right to choose whomever they wish to represent them in negotiations, and neither party can control the other party's selection of representatives. General Electric Co., 173 NLRB 253, 255 20 (1968), enfd. 412 F.2d 512, 516-517 (2d Cir. 1969); Minnesota Mining & Mfg. Co. v. NLRB, 415 F.2d 174, 177-178 (8th Cir. 1969) (affirming Board determination that “so long as it confines negotiations to terms and conditions of employment within the bargaining unit, it has free rein . . . in its choice of negotiators.”) 25 The right to choose one’s bargaining representatives, however, is not absolute. An exception to the general rule arises when the situation is so infected with ill will, usually personal, or conflict of interest as to make good-faith bargaining impractical. See, e.g., NLRB v. ILGWU, 274 F.2d 376, 379 (3d Cir. 1960) (ex-union official added to employer committee to “put one over on the union”); Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., 108 NLRB 1555 (1954) (union 30 established company in direct competition with employer); NLRB v. Kentucky Utilities Co., 182 F.2d 810 (6th Cir. 1950) (union negotiator expressed great personal animosity towards employer). But cf. NLRB v. Signal Mfg. Co., 351 F.2d 471 (1st Cir. 1965) (per curiam), cert. denied 382 U.S. 985 (1966) (similar claim of animosity rejected). On the other hand, where the employer simply asserts that there was ill will and a conflict of interest relative to the proposed 35 union representatives, the Board is unlikely to grant an exception to the presumptive rule that both employers and employees have an unrestricted right to choose their own representative. Atlas Refinery, Inc., 354 NLRB 1056, 1070 (2010) (employer "violated § 8(a)(5) and (1) of the Act by refusing to bargain with the Union as long as [the union's designated representative] was part of the bargaining committee”).40 Mere inclusion of persons outside the negotiating unit does not constitute exceptional circumstances. NLRB v. Indiana & Michigan Electric Co., 599 F.2d 185 (7th Cir. 1979) (other units); Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co. v. NLRB, 415 F.2d at 177-178 (other locals); General Electric Co. v. NLRB, 412 F.2d at 517-520 (2d Cir. 1969) (other international 45 unions); Standard Oil Co. v. NLRB, 322 F.2d 40, 44 (6th Cir. 1963) (other locals). Furthermore, a claim that a union's use of outsiders was an unlawful attempt to compel companywide or JD–15–16 24 multiplant bargaining is also insufficient, unless the employer can demonstrate that the union actually attempted to bargain outside unit boundaries NLRB v. Indiana & Michigan Electric Co., 599 F.2d at 191; Minnesota Mining, 415 F.2d at 178; General Electric, 412 F.2d at 519-520. In this case, there was no evidence that the Union sought to force Boulevard East 5 into multiemployer bargaining through the presence of bargaining unit members from the other three facilities. The only hint of a Union strategy affecting all four facilities was its desire to have Silva and Massey make opening statements out the outset of bargaining. See International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 46, AFL-CIO, 302 NLRB 271, 273-274 (1991) (union not justified in refusing to negotiate with employer 10 group’s chosen committee of members and non-members at the outset of separate bargaining sessions in accordance with a longstanding practice of including all both group members and nonmembers under a single collective-bargaining agreement). Some delegates in attendances made side remarks, sneered and laughed in 15 response to Jasinski’s remarks on March 27. However, Jasinski never mentioned that as an issue on March 27 and it was hardly an indication that the participation of employees from the other three facilities represented a “clear and present danger to the collective bargaining process” or would create ill will and make bargaining impossible. See International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 46, AFL-CIO, 302 20 NLRB at 273-274 (union did not meet burden of showing that the employer group's chosen representatives were “so tainted with conflict or so patently obnoxious as to negate the possibility of good-faith bargaining”). Jasinski’s additional concern at hearing that the presence of employees from other 25 facilities would violate the confidentiality of employees at the other facilities does not pass muster. See Milwhite Co., Inc., 290 NLRB 1150, 1152 (1998) (mere fear that negotiations will result in compromising confidentiality is insufficient), citing General Electric Co., 173 NLRB at 255. No such concern was expressed on March 27. 30 Boulevard East cites CBS, Inc., 226 NLRB 537, 539 (1976), as support for the proposition that the Union’s bargaining representatives presented “a clear and present danger to the bargaining process or would create such ill will as to make bargaining impossible or futile.” That case, however, involved a conflict of interest regarding the composition of a bargaining committee because one committee member was part of a labor organization that did not represent 35 CBS's members, but rather, two key competitors. That is hardly the scenario here. Boulevard East also cites Fitzsimons Mfg. Co., 251 NLRB 375, 379-380 (1980), for a similar proposition. In Fitzsimons, however, an employer lawfully excluded a union representative who engaged in an unprovoked physical attack on the company's personnel director. Id. That scenario was also inapplicable.40 Given the absence of evidence of exceptional circumstances indicating bad faith on the part of the Union, Boulevard East was obligated to bargain with the Union’s bargaining committee on March 27 even though employee-members from the other three facilities were present. General Electric, 412 F.2d at 520. By walking out of the negotiations under those 45 circumstances, Boulevard East refused to bargain in good faith in violation of Section 8(a)(5) and (1) of the Act. See Standard Oil Co. v. NLRB, 322 F.2d at 44 (employer unlawfully refused JD–15–16 25 to negotiate with union bargaining committee, which added temporary representatives from affiliated bargaining units in order to improve communication between them); NLRB v. Indiana & Michigan Electric Co., supra, (employer unlawfully refused to bargain with union negotiating committee because the union was coordinating the various bargaining efforts). 5 II. BOULEVARD EAST’S DELAY IN PROVIDING INFORMATION The complaint alleges that Boulevard East also violated Section 8(a)(5) and (1) when it unreasonably delayed in providing the Union with information requested in order to prepare for bargaining. Boulevard East contends that it responded in a manner reasonably consistent with 10 past practice and that union officials sanctioned the delay because of counsel’s other commitments. The duty to timely furnish requested information cannot be defined in terms of a per se rule. Good Life Beverage Co., 312 NLRB 1060, 1062 fn. 9 (1993). Rather, what is required is a 15 reasonable good-faith effort to respond to the request “as promptly as circumstances allow.” Id. See also Woodland Clinic, 331 NLRB 735, 737 (2000). In evaluating the promptness of an employer's response, the Board considers the complexity and extent of the information sought, its availability, and the difficulty in retrieving the information. West Penn Power Co., 339 NLRB 585, 587 (2003), citing Samaritan Medical Center, 319 NLRB 392, 398 (1995), 20 enfd. in relevant part 394 F.2d 233 (4th Cir. 2005). Since “information concerning terms and conditions of employment is presumably relevant,” it must be “provided within a reasonable time, or, if not provided, accompanied by a timely explanation.” In Re W. Penn Power Co., supra at 597(citing FMC Corp., 290 NLRB 483, 489 (1988)). Even a relatively short delay of two or three weeks may be held unreasonable. See, e.g., Capitol Steel & Iron Co., 317 NLRB 809, 813 25 (1995), enfd. 89 F.3d 692 (10th Cir. 1996) (two week delay unreasonable under the circumstances because the information sought was simple, close at hand, and easily assembled); Aeolian Corp., 247 NLRB 1231, 1244 (1980) (three week delay unreasonable under the circumstances). 30 Boulevard East received the Union’s initial information request on December 27 and a supplemental request on March 14. In early January, Jasinski informed Massey and McCalla that he would be busy with a State court proceeding in parts of January and February. The trial eventually took place between early February and the third week in March. Jasinski did propose, on several occasions, to extend the term of the expiring contract, but the Union never agreed. At 35 no time, however, during his written and verbal communications with the Union did he request an extension of time to respond to the information requests. That is because Jasinski always intended to produce a response to the information requests on the first day of bargaining. Dallas & Mavis Forwarding Co., 291 NLRB 980(1988), enfd, 909 F.2d 1484 (6th Cir. 40 1990), cited by Boulevard East, is inapplicable. In that case, the Board found a delay in providing requested information justified to the extent that the employer's confidentiality interests outweighed a union's need for information. The employer feared that competitors might gain an advantage if they acquired information about tariff rates contained in certain business contracts. In this case, however, Boulevard East never asserted confidentiality concerns as an 45 excuse for the delay at any time prior to March 27. JD–15–16 26 The passage of nearly three months in responding to the Union’s initial information request and five weeks responding to the supplemental request was unreasonable. Boulevard East was entirely mum on the subject notwithstanding follow-up reminders by the Union to provide the information prior to the March 27 bargaining session. Instead, Jasinski simply delivered the information at the conclusion of the March 27 session, just before he and Gold 5 walked out. The tactic was clearly calculated to prolong bargaining by ensuring that the Union would have insufficient time to analyze the information provided and, thus, be unable to commence meaningful bargaining at the first session. The fact that Boulevard East previously delayed in producing requested information until the first bargaining session does not rescue it from a violation of Section 8(a)(5) and (1) of the Act.10 III. REFUSAL TO PROVIDE SCHEDULES AND HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION The General Counsel also contends that Boulevard East violated Section 8(a)(5) and (1) of the Act on May 21, when it refused to provide daily work schedule information, and July 30, 15 when it refused to provide health insurance related information, both of which were relevant and necessary to the performance of its duties as the exclusive bargaining representative. Boulevard East refused to provide such further work schedule information, insisting that the Union should be satisfied with monthly master schedules. With respect to the health insurance information, Boulevard East claimed it was prohibited from releasing such information under the privacy 20 provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.76 An employer has a duty to furnish relevant information necessary to union representatives for the proper performance of their duties as the exclusive bargaining representative. NLRB v. Truitt Mfg. Co., 351 U.S. 149, 153 (1956); Detroit Edison v. NLRB, 440 25 U.S. 301, 303 (1979); W-L Molding Co., 272 NLRB 1239, 1240-1241 (1984); NLRB v. Acme Industrial Co., 385 U.S. 432, 435-436 (1967); A-1 Door & Building Solutions, 356 NLRB No. 76, slip op. at 2 (2011). Information requests regarding bargaining unit employees' terms and conditions of employment are “presumptively relevant” and must be provided. Whitesell Corp., 352 NLRB 1196, 1197 (2008), adopted by a three-member Board, 355 NLRB 635 (2010), 30 enfd. 638 F.3d 883 (8th Cir. 2011); Southern California Gas Co., 344 NLRB 231, 235 (2005). The standard for establishing relevancy is the liberal, “discovery-type standard.” Alcan Rolled Products, 358 NLRB No. 11, slip op. at 4 (2012), citing and quoting applicable authorities. The Union, in accord with its duty, sought copies of daily work schedules in order to 35 formulate and present appropriate proposals on behalf of employee-members. See Wayneview Care Center, 352NLRB 1089, 1115 (2008) (work schedules relating to unit employees, are presumptively relevant, including information on current schedules for each department). Accordingly, the Union was entitled to production of schedules of work actually performed by employees and was not relegated to the monthly work schedules. See McGuire 40 Steel Erection, Inc. & Steel Enterprises, Inc., 324 NLRB 221, 223-224 (1997) (employer unlawfully refused to provide additional payroll records on the grounds that it already provided the union with other types of payroll records); National Grid USA Service Co., Inc., 348 NLRB 1235 (2006) (union was entitled to copies of invoices containing base line information, not just 76 45 CFR §§ 160 and 164. JD–15–16 27 unverified summaries made by employer); Merchant Fast Motor Line, 324 NLRB 563 (1997) (union was not required to accept an employer’s declaration as to profitability or summary financial information provided by the employer); McQuire Steel Erection, Inc., 324 NLRB 221 (summaries of payroll records deemed not sufficient to meet a respondent's statutory obligation). 5 Similarly, Boulevard East was obligated to furnish the requested health insurance information necessary for the Union to formulate its own proposal. One Stop Kosher Supermarket, Inc., 355 NLRB 1237 (2010) (union was entitled to health insurance plan information). The Union was entitled to the requested information concerning the costs of health insurance to Boulevard East and covered employees in order to analyze them within the context 10 of the Affordable Care Act. This was significant information, given the Union’s bargaining objective to increase dependent health insurance coverage and its interest in exploring alternative proposals to offset the costs. On May 21, Jasinski formally denied the union’s request for the daily work schedules. 15 With respect to the health insurance information request, Jasinski initially insisted the Union already had the information. That was incorrect. The Union had only been provided with partial information relating to gross payroll benefits, monthly health plan costs, and a summary description of the plan. After the Union persisted, he agreed to inquire further. On July 30, Jasinski closed the door regarding any further health insurance related information. He based that 20 objection on spurious confidentiality concerns that came more than two months after the information request. Exxon Co. USA, 321 NLRB 896, 898 (1996) (confidentiality objection must be timely raised). Moreover, the documentary evidence and Jasinski’s vague testimony failed to identify how any of the requested health insurance related documents involved the confidential medical information of any employees. Lastly, Jasinski refused Massey’s offer to work out an 25 accommodation for the release of the allegedly confidential information. See Castle Hill Health Care Center, 355 NLRB 1156, 1183-1184 (2010) (generalized confidentiality concern unavailing as an excuse to refuse information request); Under the circumstances, Boulevard East’s refusal to provide daily work schedule 30 information on May 21 and health insurance related information on July 30 as requested by the Union violated Section 8(a)(5) and (1) of the Act. IV. THREATS REGARDING STRIKE ACTIVITY 35 A. Threats to Employees of Job Loss or Other Reprisals The complaint alleges that Boulevard East engaged in various violations of Section 8(a)(1) of the Act. The standard in determining whether employer conduct violates that section of the Act is based on whether statements made to employees reasonably tend to interfere with 40 the free exercise of employee rights under the Act. NLRB v. Gissel Packing Co., 395 U.S. 575 (1969). In determining whether a supervisor's statement is unlawfully coercive, the test is whether the employee would reasonably be coerced by it. See Engelhard Corp., 342 NLRB 46, 60-61 (2004) (test for coercion under Sec. 8(a)(1) is “whether the employer engaged in conduct which, it may reasonably be said, tends to interfere with the free exercise of employee rights 45 under the Act”) (emphasis in original), enfd. 437 F.3d 374 (3d Cir. 2006). JD–15–16 28 In June 2014, Rodriguez warned employees that they could lose their jobs if they went on strike. In response, the employees brought over Ozual, a union representative, to witness the threat. Rodriguez repeated her threats and stated that no employee would return to the kitchen if they went on strike. Similarly, in September 2014 Rodriguez issued threats to Aguilar and Moreira, warning that they would be replaced and/or discharged if they participated in the strike. 5 Like Rodriguez, Smolin, Boulevard East’s administrator, told employees they could be discharged for striking on two separate occasions. In the first instance, he interrogated a group of CNAs, including Christie-Duran and Mejia as to whether they were going to strike and threatened termination if they did. Christie-Duran spoke up, insisting it was within employees’ 10 rights to strike. Smolin replied that he would replace them with substitutes and that no work would remain after the strike. Smolin again threatened a group of CNAs with termination in the days leading up to the strike. Using a Spanish-language interpreter, Smolin again asked each employee whether they were going on strike and warned that each could be replaced. 15 The aforementioned supervisory statements sent clear messages that engaging in Section 7 activity was harmful to Boulevard East. See Hoffman Fuel Co., 309 NLRB 327, 327 (1992) (employer's questioning coupled with a veiled threat unlawful where there was no legitimate purpose for ascertaining the employee's prospective union activities). In addition, the threats that a strike will lead to job loss were unlawful because they incorrectly conveyed to 20 employees that their employment will be terminated as a result of a strike, whereas the law is clear that economic strikers retain certain reinstatement rights. Baddour, Inc., 303 NLRB 275 (1991) (mere statement without further explanation that employee “could end up losing your job by being replaced with a new permanent worker” was unlawful). 25 Under the circumstances, the threats by Smolin and Rodriguez that employees could be replaced and lose their jobs if they participated in a strike violated Section 8(a)(1) of the Act. B. Interrogation of Employees Regarding Strike Activity 30 In assessing the lawfulness of an interrogation, the Board applies the totality of circumstances test adopted in Rossmore House, 269 NLRB 1176 (1984), enfd. sub nom. Hotel Employees Local 11 v. NLRB, 760 F.2d 1006 (9th Cir. 1985). The Board has additionally determined that in employing the Rossmore House test, it is appropriate to consider the factors set forth in Bourne v. NLRB, 332 F.2d 47, 48 (2d Cir. 1964): whether there was a history of 35 employer hostility or discrimination; the nature of the information sought (whether the interrogator was seeking information to base taking action against individual employees); the position of the questioner in the company hierarchy; the place and method of interrogation, and; the truthfulness of the reply. In applying the Bourne factors, the Board seeks to determine whether under all of the circumstances the questioning at issue would reasonably tend to coerce 40 the employee at whom it was directed so that he or she would feel restrained from exercising rights protected by Section 7 of the Act. Westwood Health Care Center, 330 NLRB 935, 941 (2000). In June 2014, Rodriguez called Aguilar and several other employees into a meeting where Smolin asked each employee if she intended to participate in the strike. Smolin repeated 45 the coercive exercise with another group of employees in his office in late August. Rodriguez JD–15–16 29 capped off the interrogation two more instances in early September when she again asked Aguilar and Moreira if they intended to go on strike. In neither instance did Rodriguez or Smolin assure the employees that no reprisals would be taken against them as a result of their responses. Such assurances were vital since Rodriguez and Smolin were canvassing the facility threatening employees, including Aguilar, Moreira, Goris, Christie-Duran and Meija with termination if they 5 participated in the strike. Under the circumstances, the questioning by Smolin and Rodriguez was coercive in nature and violated Section 8(a)(1).Roosevelt Memorial Medical Center, 348 NLRB 1016 (2006); Reno Hilton Resorts, 320 NLRB 197, 207 (1995). V. PROHIBITION AGAINST UNION INSIGNIA10 The complaint alleges that Boulevard East committed additional Section 8(a)(1) violations in August and September when Rodriguez and Smolin ordered dietary employees to remove pro-Union buttons from their uniforms. Boulevard East concedes that Rodriguez and Smolin issued such directives, but contends that it had a legitimate business and safety reasons 15 for restricting buttons or other accessories in the kitchen. Employees generally have a protected right under Section 7 to wear union insignia, including union buttons, in the workplace. Republic Aviation Corp. v. NLRB, 324 U.S. 793, 801- 803 (1945); P.S.K. Supermarkets, 349 NLRB 34, 35 (2007). This right, however, may give way 20 when the employer demonstrates special circumstances sufficient to outweigh employees' Section 7 interests and legitimize the regulation of such insignia. See Healthbridge Management, LLC, 360 NLRB No. 118 (2014) enfd. 798 F.3d 1059 (2015); W San Diego, 348 NLRB 372, 372 (2006). In a hospital setting, special circumstances are generally deemed to exist in immediate patient care areas. See NLRB v. Baptist Hospital, 442 U.S. 773, 783 fn. 12 (1979) (presumption 25 of validity of employer ban on solicitation or the wearing of insignia in immediate patient care areas to prevent situations that might be unsettling to patients). On the other hand, a rule prohibiting the wearing of union insignia in nonpatient care areas is presumptively invalid, absent special circumstances that such a ban was “necessary to avoid disruption of health care operations or disturbance of patients.” Baptist Hospital, supra at 781.30 Boulevard East’s policy prior to the controversy – prohibiting the wearing of buttons in the kitchen area – was a reasonable one. It sought to eliminate the risk of buttons or jewelry breaking and/or falling into patient’s food trays. While it is unlikely that any Boulevard East patients would be present in the kitchen, the kitchen staff serves a patient care function by 35 preparing patients’ individualized food trays. Considering the safety factors in that scenario, the prohibition against wearing buttons during the preparation of food in Boulevard East’s kitchen would be presumptively valid. That presumption, as well as the legitimacy of Boulevard East’s rationale for the policy, 40 however, was negated by Boulevard East’s arbitrary prohibition against pro-Union buttons while permitting kitchen staff to wear company-issued buttons. Employees were urged to wear buttons promoting the company brand – “I Care. I am Alaris Health” – but prohibited from wearing buttons supporting a likely strike – “We Care For New Jersey” and “We don’t want to strike, but we will if we have to, 1199 SEIU.” See Saint John’s Health Center, 357 NLRB No. 170, slip op. 45 at 2 (2011) (presumption of validity does not apply to a selective ban on only certain union insignia in immediate patient care areas). JD–15–16 30 The only explanation in the record as to why Rodriguez instructed kitchen staff on three occasions in August and September to remove pro-Union buttons was because it was “[her] kitchen” and, as such, within her unfettered discretion. Clearly, justification for the ban was lacking. Beth Israel Hospital v. NLRB, 437 U.S. 438, 507 (1978) (circumstances must establish 5 that action was necessary to avoid disrupting operations or patients). In a fourth instance, Smolin instructed Moreira on August 27 to remove a pro-Union button while he sat in the employee break room. Moreira complied and Smolin proceeded to post a memorandum prohibiting the wearing of any buttons other than the company-issued “I Care. I 10 am Alaris Health” buttons. The letter alluded to the risk of that other types of buttons might cause “resident[s] to become anxious” and could be “be interpreted as threatening to a resident . . ” and needed to be “approved by the administration.” While a button conveying the message of a possible strike by the facility’s employees 15 might have concerned some patients, Moreira was not wearing the button in a patient care area when he was told to remove it. As such, Smolin’s directive was unlawful. See Casa San Miguel, Inc., 320 NLRB 534, 540 (1995) (restrictions on wearing insignia in nonpatient care areas are presumptively invalid in the absence of special circumstances justifying the ban). 20 Similarly, Smolin’s August 27 memorandum, posted immediately after his coercive encounter with Moreira, discriminated based on its pro-Union content. It limited button-wearing to those permitted by management in order to prevent situations that could cause anxiety or be deemed threatening to patients. The only evidence, however, proved otherwise – the employer’s concern about employees displaying their support for the union. See Healthbridge Management, 25 LLC, supra at 3. VI. SURVEILLANCE OF EMPLOYEES DURING STRIKE While standing in close proximity in the lobby, Smolin photographed employees 30 as they picketed during the first and second days of the strike. It is not unreasonable to expect that the spectacle of a mass protest of employees carrying signs and chanting slogans would pique the interest of managers, supervisors and employees working within the facility. The Board does, however, consider the 35 photographing and videotaping of employees, with certain exceptions, as generally coercive since such behavior tend to create a fear of future reprisals for engaging in concerted activity. F.W. Woolworth Co., 310 NLRB 1197 (1993). Boulevard East failed to demonstrate any justification for the photographing of picketing 40 employees outside its facility. National Steel Shipbuilding Co., 324 NLRB 499 (1997), enfd. 156 F. 3d 1268 (3d Cir. 1988). There was no evidence of violence, unruly behavior or past actions on the part of picketing employees indicating any possibility of a disruption to Boulevard East’s operations which might otherwise have justified photographing their activity by the facility’s manager and nursing director. Under the circumstances, Boulevard East violated Section 8(a)(1)45 of the Act by engaging in unlawful surveillance of picketing employees outside its facility on September 17 and 18. JD–15–16 31 VII. REFUSAL TO REINSTATE STRIKING EMPLOYEES The complaint further alleges that the Boulevard East violated Section 8(a)(3) and (1) of the Act by refusing to reinstate eight employees when they returned to work the day after the 5 strike ended: Walace Moreira, Elizabeth Christie-Duran, Lovette Howard, Norma Diaz, Sandra Mejia, Maria Goris, Erika Pena and Lorena Aguilar. Boulevard East disagrees, insisting that the eight employees were not reinstated because they engaged in an economic rather than unfair labor practice strike. 10 Strikes may be categorized as either economic or unfair labor practice strikes. Spurlino Materials, LLC, et ano. v. NLRB, 805 F.3d 1131, 1136-1137 (D.C. Cir. 2015), citing Gen. Indus. Emps. Union, Local 42 v. NLRB, 951 F.2d 1308, 1311 (D.C. Cir. 1991). That categorization carries significant consequences. Economic strikers run the risk of replacement if, during the strike, the employer takes on permanent new hires. NLRB v. International Van Lines, 409 U.S. 15 48, 50 (1972); Gen. Indus. Emps. Union, 951 F.2d at 1311. In such instances, economic strikers are entitled, upon their unconditional offers to return to work, to reinstatement to their former or substantially equivalent positions, if no permanent replacements have been hired to replace them and the positions remain open. NLRB v. Fleetwood Trailer Co., 389 U.S. 375, 378–379 (1967). 20 In the case of an unfair labor practice strike, employees are entitled to immediate reinstatement to their former positions upon their unconditional offers to return to work, even if the employer has hired replacements. See International Van Lines, 409 U.S. at 50–51, 93; Mastro Plastics Corp. v. NLRB, 350 U.S. 270, 278 (1956); Gen. Indus. Emps. Union, 951 F.2d at 1311; Hajoca Corp. v. NLRB, 872 F.2d 1169, 1177 (3d Cir.1989). Accordingly, an 25 employer violates the Act if it fails to reinstate such strikers once they have made an unconditional offer to return to work. See Alwin Mfg. Co. v. NLRB, 192 F.3d 133, 141–142 (D.C. Cir.1999). In determining whether the General Counsel has met his burden of establishing that an 30 employer’s unfair labor practices caused the employee’s decision to go on strike, the Board looks to the employees' motivations for striking, considering both objective and subjective evidence. See Gen. Indus. Emps. Union, 951 F.2d at 1312; Spurlino Materials, 357 NLRB No. 126, slip op. 15-16 (2011); Executive Management Services, 355 NLRB 185, 194-196 (2010); Chicago Beef Co. v. Local 26, United Food and Commercial Workers Union, 298 NLRB 35 1039 (1990). A strike wholly driven by the desire of employees to obtain favorable employment terms is an economic strike. When employees strike as a result of an employer's unfair labor practices, the strike is an unfair labor practice strike. See International Van Lines, 409 U.S. at 50–51; Gen. Indus. Emps. Union, 951 F.2d at 1311. 40 In this case, there is little testimony by employees as to their reasons for participating in the strike. There is objective proof of motivation for the strike, however, in the statements by Union officials and signs carried employees during informational and strike picketing. Through public statements, media publications and its website, the Union conveyed the mixed message that it sought redress for Boulevard East’s unfair labor practices and economic reasons (e.g., 45 better wages, health insurance coverage and pension plan). The Union followed up on these actions by filing unfair labor practice charges and informing employees that Board complaints JD–15–16 32 would issue. See Citizens Publishing & Printing Co., 263 F.3d 224, 235 (3d Cir. 2001) (facts supported finding that Board’s decision to issue a complaint “galvanized bargaining unit members' belief that an unfair labor practice had been committed and served as the flashpoint for discussion about calling a strike”). 5 It is evident that meaningful collective bargaining was hamstrung at the outset by Boulevard East’s failure to provide responsive information prior to March 27 and then refusing to commence bargaining with Boulevard East’s chosen bargaining committee. While certainly not dispositive of the reasons for an eventual strike nearly six months later, it set the tone for a ragged path of trickling information and resistance in providing relevant work schedule and 10 health insurance related information. Under Board law, the dual motivation of Boulevard East’s employees to strike in order to improve their bargaining position and assail Boulevard East’s unfair labor practices means that the strike must be characterized as an unfair labor practice strike. See Executive Management 15 Services, supra at 193; Domsey Trading Corp., 310 NLRB 777, 791 (1993); General Drivers & Helpers Union, Local 662 v. NLRB, 302 F.2d 908, 911 (D.C.Cir.1962). “The employer's unfair labor practice need not be the sole or even the major cause or aggravating factor of the strike; it need only be a contributing factor.” Teamsters Local Union No. 515 v. NLRB, 906 F.2d 719, 723 (D.C.Cir.1990); Alwin Mfg. Co., 192 F.3d at 141; Gen. Indus. Emps. Union, 951 F.2d at 1311. 20 See also Struthers Wells Corp. v. NLRB, 721 F.2d 465, 471 (3d Cir.1983); NLRB v. Cast Optics Corp., 458 F.2d 398, 407 (3d Cir.1972). The Union, on behalf of the striking workers, gave Boulevard East a 10-day notice prior to the strike that employees would strike on September 17, 18, and 19. On September 18, the 25 Union notified Boulevard East that the striking employees would return to work on September 20. Under the circumstances, Boulevard East’s refusal to reinstate Moreira, Christie-Duran, Howard, Diaz, Mejia, Goris, Pena, and Aguilar on or after September 20 violated Section 8(a)(3) and (1) of the Act. 30 VIII. CHANGES TO WORK HOURS AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT The complaint also alleges that Boulevard East committed various violations of Section 8(a)(3) and (1) of the Act by discriminatorily changing the terms and conditions of employment of Moreira, Aguilar and Mejia after they returned from the strike. Boulevard East contends that 35 these employees were replaced after going out on an economic strike and were provided with the work that was available when they returned. In determining whether adverse employment action is attributable to unlawful discrimination, the Board applies the analysis set forth in Wright Line, 251 NLRB 1083 (1980), enfd. 662 F.2d 899 (1st Cir. 1981), cert. denied 455 U.S. 989 (1982). The Wright Line 40 framework requires proof that an employee's union or other protected activity was a motivating factor in the employer's action against the employee. 251 NLRB at 1089. The elements required to support such a showing are union or protected concerted activity, employer knowledge of that activity, and union animus on the part of the employer. Amglo Kemlite Laboratories, 360 NLRB No. 51, slip op. at 7 (2014); Consolidated Bus Transit, 350 NLRB 1064, 1065 (2007), enfd. 577 45 F.3d 467 (2d Cir. 2009). Proof of animus and discriminatory motivation may be based on direct JD–15–16 33 evidence or inferred from circumstantial evidence. Robert Orr/Sysco Food Services, 343 NLRB 1183, 1184 (2004); Purolator Armored, Inc. v. NLRB, 764 F.2d 1423, 1428-1429 (11th Cir. 1985). Factors which may support an inference of antiunion motivation include employer hostility toward unionization, other unfair labor practices committed by the employer contemporaneous with the adverse action, the timing of the adverse action in relation to union 5 activity, the employer's reliance on pretextual reasons to justify the adverse action, disparate treatment of employees based on union affiliation, and an employer's deviation from past practice. 764 F.2d at 1429. All three employees engaged in protected concerted activity, including informational picketing before the strike and during the strike. Boulevard East knew of their pro-strike 10 inclinations and expressed repeatedly its animus towards such activity. Additional proof of animus is found in the numerous unfair labor practices in the form of threats, interrogation and prohibition of union insignia. The only differences were in the nature of the significant adverse action suffered by each employee. Although Moreira was eventually reinstated after the strike, it was as a part-time pot 15 washer. As Rodriguez predicted, his work hours were significantly reduced from 75 hours per pay period to (at most) 52.5 hours per pay period.77 Aguilar was reassigned to a different position after the strike and saw her schedule changed from a consistent 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. to a variable 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Making matters worse, Aguilar’s supervisor oftentimes changed her schedule on short notice, requiring 20 her to come in at 6:00 a.m. even though she had been working until 9:00 p.m. the previous night. Prior to the strike, Mejia received approximately 16 hours of overtime each pay period, by covering an extra weekend shift. After returning to work, Mejia did not work any extra weekends from October through February 2015, even though the opportunity for overtime work continued to exist.25 The General Counsel having established a prima facie case, the burden shifted to Boulevard East to prove that union activity was not a motivating factor in the changes to the terms and condition of employment of Moreira, Aguilar and Mejia. Wright Line, supra; approved in NLRB v. Transportation Management Corp., 462 U.S. 393 (1983). That burden is impossible to meet here where the adverse action flowed from Boulevard East’s unfair labor practice in 30 refusing to reinstate them after the strike and their former positions continued to exist after the strike. Under the circumstances, after reinstating employees after the strike, Boulevard East violated Section 8(a)(3) and (1) by changing the following employees’ terms and conditions of employment: (1) reducing Moreira’s work hours and reassigning him to a part-time pot washer 35 position; (2) imposing more onerous working conditions on Aguilar; and (3) reducing Mejia’s overtime opportunities. Wright Line, supra; Manno Electric, 321 NLRB 278, 280 fn. 12 (1996). 40 77 Moreira’s inability/refusal to perform the duties of a dietary aide are matters left for compliance. JD–15–16 34 CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 1. Boulevard East was an employer engaged in commerce within the meaning of Section 2(2) of the Act. 5 2. The Union was a labor organization within the meaning of Section 2(5) of the Act. 3. At all relevant times, Robert Smolin, Amanda Furio and Maria Rodriguez were supervisors of Boulevard East within the meaning of Section 2(11) the Act, and David Jasinski, Esq. and Regina Figueroa were agents within the meaning of Section 2(13) of the Act. 10 4. Boulevard East violated Section 8(a)(5) and (1) of the Act by: (a) Refusing on March 27, 2014 to bargain in good faith with the Union’s chosen bargaining committee. 15 (b) Delaying for 3 months before producing information requested by the Union which was relevant and necessary to its role as unit employees’ labor representative prior to the commencement of collective bargaining between the parties on March 27, 2014. 20 (c) Refusing to provide daily work schedule information requested by the Union on May 21, 2014 and health insurance information requested on July 30, 2014, all of which was relevant and necessary to the Union’s role as unit employees’ representative. 5. Boulevard East violated Section 8(a)(1) of the Act in the following manner:25 (a) Smolin and Rodriguez threatened employees in June and September 2014 with loss of their jobs, loss of work hours or other changes in their terms and conditions of employment if they went on strike. 30 (b) Smolin and Rodriguez interrogated employees in June and September 2014 as to whether they were going to participate in the strike. (c) Smolin and Rodriguez prohibited employees in August and September 2014 from wearing union insignia in patient and non-patient care areas, while permitting them 35 to wear pro-employer insignia in the same areas. (d) Smolin issued a memorandum on August 27, 2014 prohibiting employees from wearing union buttons or other insignia within the facility, except for those expressly approved by management.40 (e) Smolin engaged in surveillance of picketing employees outside its facility on September 17 and 18. 6. By failing and refusing, on or after September 20, to immediately reinstate 45 eight employees who engaged in protected concerted activity and made an unconditional offer to return to work, Boulevard East violated Section 8(a)(3) and (1) of the Act. JD–15–16 35 7. By (1) reducing Moreira’s work hours and reassigning him to a part-time pot washer position, (2) imposing more onerous working conditions on Aguilar, and (3) reducing Mejia’s overtime opportunities because they participated in and supported the strike, Boulevard East violated Section 8(a)(3) and (1) of the Act.5 8. The aforementioned unfair labor practices affected commerce within the meaning of Section 2(6) and (7) of the Act. REMEDY10 Having found that Boulevard East has engaged in certain unfair labor practices, I shall order it to take certain affirmative action designed to effectuate the policies of the Act. On request, Boulevard East shall bargain with the Union as the exclusive representative of the employees concerning terms and conditions of employment, timely provide the Union with 15 relevant information it has requested and, if an understanding is reached, embody the understanding in a signed agreement. Boulevard East shall also, within 14 days of the Board’s Order, offer the eight employees who engaged in an unfair labor practice strike in September 2014, and were not immediately reinstated on request, recalled to their former positions, terminating, if necessary, any replacements who occupy those positions, or if those positions no 20 longer exist, to substantially equivalent positions without prejudice to their seniority or any other rights or privileges previously enjoyed. I shall also order Boulevard East to make whole the unfair labor practice strikers who were denied reinstatement for any loss of earnings and other benefits suffered as a result of the discrimination against them. Backpay shall be computed in accordance with F. W. Woolworth Co., 90 NLRB 289 (1950), with interest at the rate prescribed 25 in New Horizons, 283 NLRB 1173 (1987), compounded daily as prescribed in Kentucky River Medical Center, 356 NLRB No. 8 (2010). In addition, I shall order Boulevard East to expunge from its files any reference to the failure to reinstate the strikers, and to notify them in writing that this has been done. Finally, I shall order Harborview to post a notice to all employees in accordance with J. Picini Flooring, 356 NLRB No. 9 (2010).30 Boulevard East shall file a report with the Social Security Administration allocating backpay to the appropriate calendar quarters. Boulevard East shall also compensate the discriminatee(s) for the adverse tax consequences, if any, of receiving one or more lump-sum backpay awards covering periods longer than 1 year. Latino Express, Inc., 359 NLRB No. 44 35 (2012). 40 On these findings of fact and conclusions of law and on the entire record, I issue the following recommended7845 78 If no exceptions are filed as provided by Sec. 102.46 of the Board’s Rules and Regulations, the JD–15–16 36 ORDER The Respondent, Alaris Health at Boulevard East, Guttenberg, New Jersey, its officers, agents, successors, and assigns, shall5 1. Cease and desist from (a) Discharging or otherwise discriminating against any employee for supporting 1199, SEIU United Healthcare Workers East or any other union.10 (b) Coercively threatening any employee with job loss if they go on strike or engage in other union activities. (c) Coercively interrogating any employee as to whether he or she intends to participate 15 in a strike or engage in other union activities. (d) Prohibiting employees from wearing union insignia in non-patient care areas, or in immediate patient care areas while permitting employees to wear employer-issued insignia in the same areas.20 (e) Issuing memoranda prohibiting employees from wearing union buttons or other insignia within the facility, except for those expressly approved by management. (f) Conducting surveillance of employees engaged in peaceful picketing in the 25 vicinity of its facility. (g) Refusing to bargain with the Union’s chosen bargaining committee. (h) Refusing to provide or delaying in providing necessary and relevant 30 information to the Union. (i) In any like or related manner interfering with, restraining, or coercing employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed them by Section 7 of the Act. 35 2. Take the following affirmative action necessary to effectuate the policies of the Act. (a) On request, bargain with the Union as the exclusive representative of the employees in the following appropriate unit concerning terms and conditions of employment, and, if an understanding is reached, embody and, if an understanding is reached, embody the understanding 40 in a signed agreement: All CNAs, dietary, housekeeping, recreational aides, cooks, and all other employees excluding professional employees, registered nurses, LPN’s, findings, conclusions, and recommended Order shall, as provided in Sec. 102.48 of the Rules, be adopted by the Board and all objections to them shall be deemed waived for all purposes. JD–15–16 37 confidential [employees], office clerical employees, cooks, supervisors, watchmen and guards. (b) On request, furnish to the Union in a timely manner the information requested concerning daily work schedules and health insurance on May 21 and July 30, 2014.5 (c) Within 14 days from the date of the Board’s Order, offer Walace Moreira, Elizabeth Christie-Duran, Lovette Howard, Norma Diaz, Sandra Mejia, Maria Goris, Erika Pena and Lorena Aguilar full reinstatement to their former jobs or, if those jobs no longer exist, to substantially equivalent positions, without prejudice to their seniority or any other rights or 10 privileges previously enjoyed. (d) Make Walace Moreira, Elizabeth Christie-Duran, Lovette Howard, Norma Diaz, Sandra Mejia, Maria Goris, Erika Pena and Lorena Aguilar whole for any loss of earnings and other benefits suffered as a result of the discrimination against them, in the manner set forth in 15 the remedy section of the decision. (e) Within 14 days from the date of the Board’s Order, expunge from its files any reference to the failure to reinstate the strikers, and to notify them in writing that this has been done and that such adverse actions will not be used against them in any way.20 (f) Preserve and, within 14 days of a request, or such additional time as the Regional Director may allow for good cause shown, provide at a reasonable place designated by the Board or its agents, all payroll records, social security payment records, timecards, personnel records and reports, and all other records, including an electronic copy of such records if stored in 25 electronic form, necessary to analyze the amount of backpay due under the terms of this Order. (g) Within 14 days after service by the Region, post at its facility in Guttenberg, New Jersey, copies of the attached notice marked “Appendix”79 in both English and Spanish. Copies of the notice, on forms provided by the Regional Director for Region 22, after being signed by 30 the Respondent’s authorized representative, shall be posted by the Respondent and maintained for 60 consecutive days in conspicuous places including all places where notices to employees are customarily posted. In addition to physical posting of paper notices, the notices shall be distributed electronically, such as by email, posting on an intranet or an internet site, and/or other electronic means, if the Respondent customarily communicates with its employees by such 35 means. Reasonable steps shall be taken by the Respondent to ensure that the notices are not altered, defaced, or covered by any other material. In the event that, during the pendency of these proceedings, the Respondent has gone out of business or closed the facility involved in these proceedings, the Respondent shall duplicate and mail, at its own expense, a copy of the notice to all current employees and former employees employed by the Respondent at any time since 40 March 27, 2014. 79 If this Order is enforced by a judgment of a United States court of appeals, the words in the notice reading “Posted by Order of the National Labor Relations Board” shall read “Posted Pursuant to a Judgment of the United States Court of Appeals Enforcing an Order of the National Labor Relations Board.” (h) Within 21 days after service by the Region, file with the Regional Director a sworn certification of a responsible official on a form provided by the Region attesting to the steps that the Respondent has taken to comply. 5 Dated, Washington, D.C. February 10 38 18, 2016 ______________________________ Michael A Rosas Administrative Law Judge JD–15–16 __ JD–15–16 APPENDIX NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES Posted by Order of the National Labor Relations Board An Agency of the United States Government The National Labor Relations Board has found that we violated Federal labor law and has ordered us to post and obey this notice. FEDERAL LAW GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO Form, join, or assist a union Choose representatives to bargain with us on your behalf Act together with other employees for your benefit and protection Choose not to engage in any of these protected activities. WE WILL NOT discharge or otherwise discriminate against any of you for supporting 1199, SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, or any other union. WE WILL NOT coercively threaten you with job loss if you go on strike or engage in any other union activities. WE WILL NOT coercively interrogate you as to whether or not you intend to participate in a strike or engage in other union activities. WE WILL NOT prohibit you from wearing union insignia in non-patient care areas, or in immediate patient care areas while permitting employees to wear employer-issued insignia in the same areas. WE WILL NOT issue memoranda prohibiting you from wearing union buttons or other insignia within the facility. WE WILL NOT conduct surveillance of employees engaged in peaceful picketing in the vicinity of our facility. WE WILL NOT refuse to timely provide the Union with necessary and relevant information. WE WILL NOT in any like or related manner interfere with, restrain, or coerce you in the exercise of the rights guaranteed you by Section 7 of the Act. JD–15–16 WE WILL, on request, bargain with the Union as the exclusive representative of the employees in the following appropriate unit concerning terms and conditions of employment and, if an understanding is reached, embody the understanding in a signed agreement: All CNAs, dietary, housekeeping, recreational aides, cooks, and all other employees excluding professional employees, registered nurses, LPN’s, confidential [employees], office clerical employees, cooks, supervisors, watchmen and guards. WE WILL, on request, furnish to the Union in a timely manner the information requested concerning daily work schedules and health insurance on May 21 and July 30, 2014. WE WILL, within 14 days from the date of this Order, offer Walace Moreira, Elizabeth Christie- Duran, Lovette Howard, Norma Diaz, Sandra Mejia, Maria Goris, Erika Pena and Lorena Aguilar full reinstatement to their former jobs or, if those jobs no longer exists, to substantially equivalent positions, without prejudice to their seniority or any other rights or privileges previously enjoyed. WE WILL make Walace Moreira, Elizabeth Christie-Duran, Lovette Howard, Norma Diaz, Sandra Mejia, Maria Goris, Erika Pena and Lorena Aguilar whole for any loss of earnings and other benefits resulting from our refusal to reinstate them or, upon their reinstatement, reducing their work hours, less any net interim earnings, plus interest compounded daily. WE WILL file a report with the Social Security Administration allocating backpay to the appropriate calendar quarters. WE WILL compensate Walace Moreira, Elizabeth Christie-Duran, Lovette Howard, Norma Diaz, Sandra Mejia, Maria Goris, Erika Pena and Lorena Aguilar for the adverse tax consequences, if any, of receiving one or more lump-sum backpay awards covering periods longer than 1 year. ALARIS HEALTH AT BOULEVARD EAST (Employer) Dated By (Representative) (Title) The National Labor Relations Board is an independent Federal agency created in 1935 to enforce the National Labor Relations Act. It conducts secret-ballot elections to determine whether employees want union representation and it investigates and remedies unfair labor practices by employers and unions. To find out more about your rights under the Act and how to file a charge or election petition, you may speak confidentially to any agent with the Board’s Regional Office set forth below. You may also obtain information from the Board’s website: www.nlrb.gov. JD–15–16 20 Washington Place, 5th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-3110 (973) 645-2100, Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Administrative Law Judge’s decision can be found at www.nlrb.gov/case/22-CA-125076 or by using the QR code below. Alternatively, you can obtain a copy of the decision from the Executive Secretary, National Labor Relations Board, 1015 Half Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20570, or by calling (202) 273-1940. THIS IS AN OFFICIAL NOTICE AND MUST NOT BE DEFACED BY ANYONE THIS NOTICE MUST REMAIN POSTED FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING AND MUST NOT BE ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL. ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE OR COMPLIANCE WITH ITS PROVISIONS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE ABOVE REGIONAL OFFICE’S COMPLIANCE OFFICER, (973) 645-3784. Copy with citationCopy as parenthetical citation