State Senator Efrain Gonzalez Speaks at Kingsbridge Heights

Two weeks ago, the New York regional office of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed a complaint against Kingsbridge Heights Nursing Home, saying that the home’s owner violated a contractual agreement when she did not pay into the 1199 Health Benefit Fund. The complaint also says that Kingsbridge Heights violated federal law by spying on workers, blocking worker efforts to meet with union officials and asking workers to sign contracts that would amount to giving up union membership. The labor board papers say that Kingsbridge Heights entered into a new contract with the union, and then failed to honor it.

Even more hopeful news arrived, as the workers stand strong after four months on the picket line. The Labor Board may grant a temporary injunction that would allow the Kingsbridge Heights employees to return to work. Such an injunction, requested by the union, would force Kingsbridge Heights to take back the workers under the terms of a contract to which 1199SEIU says the home has already agreed. News is expected shortly.