Setting the Record Straight
At Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW), we respect the rights of our employees to explore unionization. We believe that such a significant decision should involve all eligible direct care employees across our integrated health system, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in a confidential, fair and inclusive election process.
Recently, there have been public accusations and media reports suggesting that GHC-SCW is engaged in “union-busting” tactics to prevent employees from voting. This is simply not true. GHC-SCW is not against unionization, and we are not delaying or obstructing the process. In fact, we welcome the opportunity to hold a vote with all eligible direct care employees included, not just a small, hand-picked group.
For nearly 50 years, GHC-SCW has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to democratic principles and fair representation as a member-owned cooperative. We are governed by an elected Board of Directors, which includes two employee practitioner directors, chosen by our members through an annual election process. Just as we uphold fair elections to ensure member representation in our Cooperative’s leadership, we believe the unionization process should be equally inclusive and transparent.
Where Things Stand Today
Currently, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is reviewing the scope of the voting group, and we are awaiting their decision. This process is not being delayed by GHC-SCW — we are and always have been following the legal process set out by the National Labor Relations Act required under federal labor laws. As soon as the NLRB makes its ruling, we are ready to move forward.
The original petition filed by GHC-SCW employees included care delivery departments from across GHC-SCW’s five clinic locations as part of the proposed bargaining unit. However, during the NLRB proceedings, the Union representatives chose to amend the petition, which substantially narrowed the unit to a small group of Capitol Clinic direct care employees, excluding all other GHC-SCW clinical sites. Our Cooperative operates as an integrated health system, and we believe this fragmented approach risks operational inefficiencies and divides our workforce. Our position has remained consistent — we believe all eligible direct care employees should have the opportunity to participate in a confidential, fair and inclusive vote.
To ensure that we are fully compliant with labor laws, we have been working with legal counsel from Husch Blackwell; attorneys who have provided us with legal guidance for more than 15 years. It is standard practice for organizations to seek legal guidance in these matters, and our legal team has been instrumental in helping us navigate the process lawfully and transparently.
Addressing Reputation Damage and Misinformation
It is disheartening to see misleading accusations that do not accurately reflect GHC-SCW’s position. Our stance has remained the same from the very beginning — we believe all eligible direct care employees should have a voice in this decision, and we are fully committed to a confidential, fair and inclusive election process.
We also recognize that this process has created tension and uncertainty among staff, and we want to be clear: GHC-SCW values and respects all employees, whether they support unionization or not. We remain committed to open communication and transparency, ensuring that every employee has access to factual information so they can make an informed decision when the time comes.
Moving Forward Together
Lastly, at GHC-SCW, our priority has always been to serve our members and support our employees. We will continue to follow the legal process, advocate for an inclusive and fair election and ensure that our employees’ voices are heard.
