A Win for our Union

It is an uncertain time at OHSU, what with the threat of layoffs looming. However, there was a

recent win behind the scenes that the Local wanted to share with you all.

A couple months ago in Food and Nutrition, a Retail manager was interfering with Steward

Aaron Moore in the course of their protected duties. Aaron was introducing themselves to the

newer employees and letting them know about the Union difference at OHSU. This manager

advised the Aaron that they were not allowed to talk to their coworkers, which is incorrect and

constituted a ULP (Unfair Labor Practice). Aaron reached out to the AFSCME Member Services

Center for guidance and we filed a grievance.

About a month ago, this same manager approached Aaron again while they were discussing the

impending layoffs with some folks in their unit. This is an important conversation that we expect

stewards to be having with Local membership. This manager said that Aaron was creating an

unsafe work environment and that Aaron violating OSHA guidelines. This was not true. The

Union saw this action as an attempt to intimidate Aaron into backing off of performing their

protected duties as a Steward. Aaron again reached out to the Member Services Center.

Staff Reps for the Local threatened to file a ULP against OHSU for violating this Steward’s rights

and engaging of a pattern of anti-union behavior. OHSU settled with the Local. We have asked

that OHSU post a statement across all public notification areas and email every Food and

Nutrition employee affirming their rights to speak and consult with their stewards if it does not

interrupt regular workflows. If you work in Food and Nutrition, hopefully you have already seen

them!

If you are allowed to talk about sports at work, you are allowed to talk about your union. If you

are allowed to post pictures of your vacation on Teams, you are allowed to email your Union

Steward for help/advice/guidance. If you are not inhibiting your or your coworker’s regular

workflow, you have a right to engage with your Local Stewards. Management bullies cannot

stop you and if you are feeling bullied or harassed for engaging in any protected activities,

please notify your Steward, Rep or contact the Member Services Center so we can address this

behavior.

Thank you all for all you do, not just for your Union but for your fellow coworkers!

Solidarity!