Aurora Health Care Inc.’s tactics show disrespect for employees and the patients we serve, says union.

Marinette, WI - AFSCME Wisconsin categorically condemns Aurora Health Care Inc.’s attack on workers’ freedom to organize at Aurora Medical Center Bay Area. Aurora Health Care Inc. anti-worker tactics include proposing poor benefits and wages shamefully below cost of living increases, stifling employees’ ability to pay union dues, and extending bargaining by consistently providing employees with inaccurate and incomplete information.

AFSCME Local 3305 represents nearly three hundred employees at the Aurora Medical Center Bay Area hospital in Marinette, Wisconsin. Employees’ contract expired on September 30, 2019. On December 17, 2019, Aurora Health Care Inc. utilized employees’ contract expiration to cease union dues checkoff, a tactic described by the National Labor Relations Board as an “economic weapon” in bargaining.

AFSCME Local 3305 President Chris Schneider stated, “throughout bargaining, Aurora Health Care Inc.’s tactics show disrespect for employees and the patients we serve. How could Aurora Health Care Inc. use an ‘economic weapon’ against employees? We’re devoted to our patients; we’re part of this community and we serve it with pride.”

Contract bargaining is ongoing. On January 29, 2020, employees will meet with management for their twelfth bargaining session. Still, with numerous incomplete offers from management on the table, bargaining will likely be extended.

Schneider continued, “It’s time that management respect our community by offering a fair contract with livable wages, quality benefits, and dignity.”