Southcoast Hospital To Appeal NLRB Ruling

An administrative law judge says Southcoast Hospital Group violated labor laws during a recent contract negotiation with the union representing nurses at Tobey Hospital in Wareham.

The National Labor Relations Board says Southcoast Hospital Group failed to provide information requested by the union relevant to the negotiations, and that Southcoast also introduced a regressive wage proposal that violated previously-agreed to ground rules.

The Mass. Nurses Association says the actions of the company cost its 142 nurses at Tobey lost wages, holiday time, and 401k contributions.

The Southcoast Hospital Group however is planning to appeal.

Spokesman Peter Cohenno tells WBSM News, Southcoast is disappointed with the judge's ruling and it's only one step in what will likely be a lengthy process.

He says the Hospital Group's goal is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement with the union.