Following Lengthy Legal Battle, EMS Professionals in Bristol, CT Prepare to Negotiate First Contract
August 30, 2010
Following a 16-month legal battle with management, members of Local R1-701, EMS professionals with Bristol Hospital EMS of Bristol, Connecticut, will soon begin negotiating sessions for their first contract. Management has now agreed to recognize the local, which voted to join the IAEP in April 2009.
“This has been a lengthy fight on behalf of the members of Local 701,” said IAEP Director of Servicing Steve Weigand. “The local established itself over a year ago and immediately began trying to set up bargaining dates despite management’s objections. These EMS professionals never gave up and remained unified throughout this ordeal.”
After the April 2009 election, management appealed the decision to the National Labor Relations Board, which ultimately upheld the results of the election. Management exhausted their appeals with the NLRB and filed an objection with the Federal Appellate Court.
The case was returned to the NLRB in June 2010 after a United States Supreme Court decision held that, under Section 3(b) of the National Labor Relations Act, the NLRB had to have at least three members seated to exercise its authority. The original NLRB decisions regarding Local 701’s election were all made during the time when the NLRB seated only two members. The case was returned to the NLRB for reconsideration once a third member was appointed to the board. The board reviewed and upheld its original decision to certify the IAEP as Local 701’s exclusive bargaining agent.
“Management’s decision to stop filing further objections is a testament to the strength and dedication of these EMS professionals,” said Weigand. “I congratulate the members of Local 701 and look forward to beginning the bargaining process soon.”