After a two-year battle between workers and management at Howard Brown Health (HBH) that resulted in many layoffs and budget cuts, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has negotiated a settlement with HBH management to pay affected workers $1.3 million, offer reinstatement to laid-off workers, physically and electronically post a notice to all workers at all facilities and refrain from union busting activities going forward.
The backpay will be split between impacted Howard Brown Health Workers United (HBHWU) workers who are represented by the Illinois Nurses Association (INA).
After HBH management laid off 61 workers in Jan. 2023, INA filed multiple charges with Region 13 of the NLRB which found that they had merit. HBH management offered to reinstate those 61 workers in the summer of 2023 and half of them accepted that offer.
An INA press release states that, “HBH continued to fight the dollar amount of the settlement. In March of 2024, HBH refused to agree to the NLRB’s proposed settlement which led to a hearing being set for October 21, 2024. However, the hearing was canceled when HBH indicated they were ready to agree to a new settlement negotiated with the NLRB. Now that the settlement has been finalized after almost 2 years, HBH is finally taking accountability for their actions.”
The NLRB stated in a press release that, “The Regional Director of Region 13 issued the complaint against Howard Brown Health in March 2024 alleging, among other things, that the employer threatened employees, surveilled employees’ protected activities, failed and refused to furnish necessary information to the Union, engaged in bargaining with no intention of reaching an agreement, denigrated the Union in the eyes of employees and bypassed the Union and dealt directly with employees in bargaining involuntarily layoffs. In addition, the complaint alleged Howard Brown Health unlawfully unilaterally laid off approximately 55 employees without bargaining with the Union.”
NLRB Region 13 Regional Director Angie Cowan Hamada said in that same press release, “I applaud the great work of Region 13 staff in investigating these charges and obtaining this excellent settlement. The remedies achieved will ensure that employees are able to fully and freely exercise their rights to join together and collectively bargain and therefore serves to effectuate the National Labor Relations Act.”
HBH Interim President and CEO Robin Gay, DMD said in a press release, “This agreement represents an important step in our path to healing and moving forward as a united organization. We’re grateful to have reached a mutually beneficial resolution with the INA that addresses the concerns of our colleagues while ensuring the long-term financial stability of Howard Brown Health. Our primary focus remains on delivering exceptional care, and this settlement allows us to do so in partnership with our dedicated staff.”
INA President Tori Dameron said, “We are thrilled to share incredible news that marks a monumental victory for our union, our collective voice, and the 61 workers who were illegally laid off from Howard Brown Health in January of 2023, at the start of their contract negotiations. Thanks to the tireless fighting of union members across the state, justice has been served.
“This victory is a testament to our collective strength and the importance of standing firm against unfair labor practices. This win not only changes lives within our union but also sends a powerful message across Illinois. It demonstrates our ability to stand up against injustice, challenge unfair practices, and fight for what’s right. Together, we are setting a precedent that will inspire and empower workers across the state to demand the respect and fairness they deserve.”
Laid-off HBH worker Jon Rosenthal said after this settlement was announced that “I felt a great amount of vindication when I saw the settlement because Howard Brown Health is finally taking responsibility for their actions after two years of waiting. It’s great to see the efforts of the union coming to fruition and the labor board making this happen. It took a lot of work from a lot of people and I want to thank HBHWU and INA for all their support over these past few years.”