NLRB taking GW Hospital to court over unfair labor practices

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is taking The George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) to court over unfair labor practices.

In a lengthy complaint signed on Thursday, the NLRB outlined how GWUH fired nurse Angelo Estrellas because of his union campaign activities.

It also detailed how GWUH installed surveillance cameras to monitor employee activity in breakrooms, convened employees to attend meetings without assurances that attendance was voluntary and removed posted union flyers in allowed public spaces.

The NLRB said employees were also threatened with loss of benefits, discipline and discharge.

In March 2023, the D.C. Nurses Association (DCNA) initially filed complaints with the NLRB after DCNA said nurse Estrellas was fired for supporting a union.

DCNA Executive Director Ed Smith said at the time nurses were overworked, understaffed and wanted respect.

“For years, when nurses tried to raise complaints or tried to get management to help them do their jobs properly, either equipment issues or staffing issues, it fell on deaf ears,” Smith said.

In May 2023, nine D.C. councilmembers signed a letter calling on the hospital to reinstate the nurse it fired, refrain from illegal conduct that violates employees’ rights to organize and hold a fair and free election in a neutral location.

On July 1, 2023, it was announced a majority of nurses voted to unionize, electing DCNA to represent them.

In Thursday’s court filing, the NLRB said the General Counsel is seeking an order requiring the hospital to remove or disable the video surveillance system at the facility, or for any video surveillance cameras that are narrowly tailored to address legitimate business needs, tell employees how they’re being monitored and why, as well as assuring employees information won’t be used to interfere with, surveil or prevent employees from engaging in union and other protected activities.

The General Counsel is also seeking an order requiring the hospital to send a letter to Angelo Estrellas apologizing to him for his firing and any hardship or distress it caused.

They also want a letter that Estrellas can send to any credit reporting agency that may have reported any delinquent or collections activities.

Finally, the NLRB said in the event he declines reinstatement to his former job, GWHU should make Estrellas whole including, but not limited to, payment of front pay for a reasonable period following any decision by him to decline a valid offer of reinstatement.

GW has until Aug. 8 to respond to the NLRB.

A hearing will happen on Oct. 21 at 10 a.m.

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