Local leaders step up for UW Hospital employees

Will present pro-union petitions to hospital board on Wednesday

Local elected officials will present a petition and speak to the UW Hospital and Clinics Authority board on Wednesday, urging the board to maintain a union voice at the area’s second largest employer.
 
Alders Lisa Subeck, David Ahrens, and Marsha Rummel, joined by County Board Chair John Hendrick and members of the Dane County Board, will present petitions with more than 1,000 signatures from members of the community who believe unions play an important role in maintaining quality of care.
 
Nearly 5,000 UWHC employees could lose union representation this year when their contracts expire, unless UWHC leaders work with union leaders to establish a framework to preserve an independent voice for UWHC employees.
 
Leaders for the city of Madison and Dane County have taken action to preserve a positive relationship with unions representing their workers despite efforts by state politicians to silence unions by passing the controversial Act 10.
 
“We have no doubt that our community strongly supports the right of workers have a union voice.  It’s time for UWHC leaders recognize the will of this community and finally engage in meaningful dialogue with their unions,” Subeck said.
 
The local leaders will gather with union members at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday at the main clinic entrance at UW Hospital.  They will be available for interviews there before proceeding inside to present petitions to the hospital board at 1:30 p.m.