| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2000 |
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Justice for Fired Bismarck R.N. Bismarck Registered Nurse Judy Anderson can breathe a sigh of relief today. After months of organizing her co-workers at Medcenter One for a voice on the job with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1116, Judy was terminated by the hospital. Judy fought back and with the help of the UFCW, filed charges against the hospital with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for illegal retaliation against a union supporter. The NLRB found merit in Ms. Anderson's charge and set a tentative date for a public hearing before making a final judgement on her case. The public hearing is tentatively scheduled for January 8, 2001 in Bismarck. "The community, the UFCW and my colleagues have stood behind me 100 percent. Now the Labor Board says they agree. I am looking forward to the public hearing where once and for all, Medcenter One will be held accountable for illegally firing me due my union activity," said Judy Anderson, RN. Lane Harstad, President of UFCW Local 1116 said, "Medcenter One broke the law when it fired Judy. The UFCW fought back and we are on the road to retribution for the injustice committed against a hard-working, loyal caregiver. I encourage nurses around the city to attend the public hearing and lend your support." Last month, about 300 protesters marched down a main street in Bismarck in support Ms. Anderson. More than 750 community members signed a petition in her support. Medcenter One fired RN Judy Anderson in September after she attempted to seek a voice with the UFCW. Medcenter claims that Anderson was fired for performance reasons. Anderson, a longtime Medcenter employee, said that until her dismissal, she had always received excellent performance reviews from supervisors. "I have dedicated 22 years of my life to Medcenter One," she told the assembled crowd. "I've taken care of your mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters, but most of all, I've cared for your children. Now, I appreciate that you care for me." The UFCW represents more than 100,000 caregivers nationwide. The union is committed to protecting health care workers' right to a voice on the job. ### |
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