Barack Obama Lends Support to Workers of St. Joseph Health System (SJHS)

Orange, Calif., – A new radio ad, "Voices,” highlighting Barack Obama’s support for the workers of the St. Joseph Health System will hit the airwaves later today in Orange County. The workers of SJHS are trying to form a union with the United Healthcare Workers-West.

In July, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) cited SJHS management with multiple violations of federal labor law. Among the violations were 35 separate incidents of illegal surveillance, interrogation, coercion, physical intimidation and threats of arrest against pro-union employees and union representatives.

And just last month, Sadrac Martinez, an environmental services employee at Mission Hospital, was fired by SJHS for participating in union organizing activities. 
 
Now, Barack Obama joins a growing list of local and national leaders supporting the workers and calling for mutually agreed to ground rules as workers organize their union at SJHS hospitals.

Other leaders include United Farm Workers Co-Founder Dolores Huerta, Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, California Attorney General Jerry Brown, and Former Maryland Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend.

For more information please visit www.VoiceAtSaintJoes.org