Injunction sends Conn. nursing home workers back to work

On Wednesday, Judge Robert Chatigney granted an injunction filed by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on behalf of striking nursing home workers at five HealthBridge nursing homes in Connecticut, including Newington, Milford, Westport, Stamford and Danbury.

Since July, nursing home workers at these HealthBridge facilities in Connecticut have been on strike protesting the company’s termination of their pensions and requiring them to contribute to healthcare premiums.

According to the decision, nearly 600 workers at these nursing homes must be reinstated with pensions and restored health benefits. A news report said that the NLRB request was granted because Chatigney believes that the workers, members of Service Employees International Union, will prevail in a separate NLRB trial.

In another report, lawyers for HealthBridge planned to file an appeal to Chatigney’s order, asking for a stay on the ruling. The company and the union expect a ruling to this appeal on Friday.

Related story: Connecticut nursing home strike gets ugly

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.