Claims of harrassment muddy union battle

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Sunday, Aug. 22, 1999 | 4:14 a.m.

Officials at Washoe Medical Center and Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center denied the allegation, claiming it's a tactic to drum up support for the union campaigns.

Operating Engineers Local Union 3 was successful in organizing Washoe Med nurses in July, but maintenance and service workers narrowly rejected the proposal earlier this month.

The union, which has filed objections against both hospitals with the National Labor Relations Board, said tensions are too high to continue with this week's election of 400 Washoe Med technical employees.

"We feel that if we proceed with the election the terror campaign will only intensify," said Local 3 business manager Don Doser.

The union filed nine objections against Saint Mary's, where 600 registered nurses are scheduled to vote Sept. 14-16. They include a charge that a death threat was made against one employee.

Saint Mary's officials accused the union of resorting to sensational charges to build support for representation.