Judge rules UNM hospital in Rio Rancho violated union's rights
Second Judicial District Court Judge Elaine Lujan's seven-page order issued Tuesday upheld an opinion from the Public Employee Labor Relations Board that the hospital "breached its statutory duty" by refusing to bargain with the United Health Professionals of New Mexico about a reduction in force after the union submitted a formal demand. It also faulted the hospital for failing to respond to requests for information about the reduction in force and implementing unilateral changes to working conditions for employees in the bargaining unit.
The union framed Lujan's decision as a "significant legal victory" in a news release Wednesday.
'This ruling should shut the door on the hospital's campaign to avoid bargaining in good faith and silence its workers," Regina McGinnis, a physical therapist and president of United Health Professionals of New Mexico, said in the release.
She added, "Its refusal to follow basic legal obligations under labor law is not only unethical but dangerous for workers and the patients they serve.'
Chris Ramirez, a spokesperson for UNM Health System, wrote in an email to The New Mexican that the organization "respects the recent decision."
D-202-CV-2024-01995.pdf
"UNM Hospital is committed to working with its labor partners to ensure that it fulfills its mandate to the community by providing high-quality patient care," Ramirez wrote. "UNM Hospital looks forward to continuing this dialogue with its labor partners."
The Public Employee Labor Relations Board ordered UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center to recognize and bargain with the union immediately on "wages, hours and all terms and conditions of employment."
It also required the hospital halt all violations of the Public Employee Bargaining Act — which in New Mexico dictates the rights of unionized public employees, their employers and the state Public Employee Labor Relations Board — and post notice of its past violation for 30 days, with a promise of compliance in the future.
United Health Professionals of New Mexico is currently reviewing the board's remedies to "determine whether the employer has complied or whether further legal action is required," the union said in the news release.
However, McGinnis said she remains concerned about UNM Sandoval's compliance.
"This is a public hospital, funded by public dollars, and there must be public accountability," McGinnis said. "Healthcare workers deserve more than empty apologies and legal delays. They deserve respect and a lawful seat at the table."
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