Unionization Process Update: GHC-SCW Requests Expedited Investigation
Updated Statement Posted June 19, 2025
On Thursday, June 12, GHC-SCW sent a letter to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) requesting an expedited investigation into the unfair labor practice accusations made by SEIU Wisconsin on behalf of GHC-SCW employees seeking to unionize. As previously stated, GHC-SCW believes these allegations are without merit and NLRB will find that to be the case through a thorough investigation.
The bargaining unit eligible for unionization was determined by NLRB in March and GHC-SCW’s position has remained consistent – we stand ready to set dates for a confidential, in-person, supervised vote for all eligible employees as defined by the NLRB as soon as possible. We have provided SEIU Wisconsin with three sets of dates which have been declined.
GHC-SCW is steadfast in moving forward to allow the only voices that matter, our employees, to have their say in an inclusive and fair vote on this important decision that will shape the future of our Cooperative.
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Previous GHC-SCW Statements About the Unionization Process
Updated Statement Posted June 9, 2025
At Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW), we respect the rights of our employees to explore unionization. Earlier this year, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that the appropriate voting group includes all eligible direct care employees across all GHC-SCW clinic locations. In support of this decision, GHC-SCW proposed two separate sets of election dates. The first dates were in early May and the second dates were proposed for the end of May. Unfortunately, SEIU Wisconsin declined those dates and instead filed additional unfair labor practice charges in an effort to bypass the vote and seek automatic certification. We are confident that once reviewed, these claims will be dismissed.
We continue to believe that every eligible employee deserves the opportunity to vote in a confidential, in-person, NLRB-supervised election. To that end, GHC-SCW has now proposed a new set of election dates: June 23, 24 and 25. We hope SEIU Wisconsin will support this opportunity to ensure all voices are heard.
Our Cooperative values every employee voice and we believe a fair and inclusive vote is the best path forward.
We will continue to provide updates as this process moves ahead.
Updated Statement Posted May 13, 2025
Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) remains committed to transparency and fairness throughout the ongoing unionization process involving our direct care employees.
Following the March 21 decision by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to expand the proposed bargaining unit to include all eligible direct care employees across our clinic system, GHC-SCW proposed holding an in-person, NLRB-supervised election on May 6, 7 and 8. These dates would have allowed all eligible employees the opportunity to vote across all clinic sites. Unfortunately, the labor union, declined those proposed election dates and instead filed additional meritless unfair labor practice charges in an effort to delay the election process. The union has also asked the NLRB to certify the union without a vote from GHC-SCW employees; an outcome that we believe would deny our employees their right to a confidential election.
Today, the labor union held a press conference to accuse GHC-SCW of engaging in “union-busting” tactics to prevent employees from forming a labor union. This is simply not true. GHC-SCW is not against unionization, and we have not delayed or obstructed the process. These repeated untrue claims do not reflect the reality of how GHC-SCW operates and only risks creating more harm to the GHC-SCW community and the organization we all care deeply about. We welcome the opportunity to hold a vote with all eligible direct care employees, which is why we have proposed additional dates for an election to SEIU Wisconsin. In a second attempt to schedule a vote, we have offered to hold the vote on May 27, 28 and 29. We hope the union will support this opportunity to bring clarity and resolution to this process through a confidential, in-person, NLRB-supervised election.
Our cooperative values are central to the good work we do every day, and that includes ensuring every employee has a voice in shaping the future of our organization and continuing to provide high-quality member-centered care.
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Updated Statement Posted April 23, 2025
Following the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) March 21 decision affirming that all eligible direct care employees across all GHC-SCW clinic sites should be included in the proposed bargaining unit, GHC-SCW has been working to facilitate a timely, confidential and in-person election for our employees. We proposed May 6, 7 and 8 as potential election dates, with voting held across all GHC-SCW clinic sites. However, the election dates have not yet been finalized and remains uncertain.
Recent Developments
Recently, the SEIU labor union filed additional unfair labor charges against GHC-SCW. These new allegations, alongside earlier claims filed this year, have caused delays in finalizing the election timeline. While we firmly believe these claims are without merit, we continue to respond through the proper legal process and are committed to navigating this issue with transparency and professionalism.
It’s disheartening to see these ongoing allegations against GHC-SCW; claims that do not reflect the values or the reality of how we operate. Despite these challenges, we remain focused on supporting our employees, upholding our cooperative values and ensuring this process is conducted fairly. We will continue to advocate that every eligible direct care employee be given the opportunity to vote on whether or not to form a union through a secure, confidential in-person election supervised by the NLRB.
As always, our primary focus remains to support our employees while continuing to provide high-quality, member-centered care. As this process continues to evolve, we will share updates as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your ongoing trust in GHC-SCW as we remain dedicated to our mission and the communities we serve.
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Updated Statement Posted April 9, 2025
In the interest of transparency, we’re sharing an important update on the unionization process at GHC-SCW. Following the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) March 21 decision affirming that all eligible direct care employees across our seven clinic sites should be included in the proposed bargaining unit, GHC-SCW has remained committed to facilitating a confidential, fair and inclusive election.
In alignment with that commitment, GHC-SCW has proposed holding an in-person, NLRB-supervised election across all GHC-SCW clinic sites with suggested dates of May 6, 7, and 8. This is not yet agreed to by SEIU or the NLRB, but we will continue working with the NLRB and the SEIU to come to an agreement on the election dates.
We remain committed to supporting our employees through this process and to ensuring a respectful and transparent approach. As always, our priority is to continue delivering high-quality, member-centered care in alignment with our cooperative values.
Thank you for your continued trust in GHC-SCW and we’ll continue to update you on the progress of the unionization efforts.
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NLRB Issues Decision on Bargaining Unit Scope
Updated Statement Posted March 25th, 2025
On March 21, 2025, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Regional Director issued a decision regarding the scope of the proposed bargaining unit related to the unionization effort at GHC-SCW. The decision determined that the appropriate voting group includes eligible direct care employees across all seven of GHC-SCW’s clinic locations—not just Capitol Clinic employees.
According to the NLRB ruling, the bargaining unit will include all full-time and regular part-time employees working in or providing services through behavioral health chiropractic, dermatology, health education, laboratory, pharmacy, physical therapy/occupational therapy, primary care, optometry, radiology, and urgent care departments and interpreters. The decision excludes roles such as receptionists, social workers, guards and supervisor positions as defined by the National Labor Relations Act. We will continue to follow the legal process and work with NLRB and the labor union to facilitate a secure, confidential voting process for our employees in the coming weeks.
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GHC-SCW Position on Unionization Efforts
Original Statement Posted March 12, 2025
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.
