Planned Parenthood North Central States denies claims of union busting tactics

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Just over a year ago, Planned Parenthood North Central States workers voted to unionize.

Those workers, who are still amid contract negotiations with Planned Parenthood, said they’ve been victims of harsh union busting.

In a press conference Thursday, the union’s bargaining team claimed Planned Parenthood North Central States, which covers Nebraska and several other Midwest states, has taken disciplinary measures against its employees.

Workers said they were issued final notices without warning or explanation, and one employee said she was fired for “whistle-blowing.”

Other employees alleged that Planned Parenthood unlawfully surveilled their messages.

During the press conference, the Services Employees International Union said Planned Parenthood used similar tactics employed by Amazon and Starbucks.

Planned Parenthood “categorically” denied all allegations, calling them “unfounded” in a statement released Thursday.

We categorically deny SEIU’s allegations of union-busting, which have included unfounded accusations of intimidation, surveillance, excessive discipline and targeting of bargaining team members. Planned Parenthood North Central States leadership remains committed to bargaining in good faith with SEIU and remain committed to adhering to the law. As we have stated previously, no staff have been disciplined or fired by PPNCS for union organizing, however,unions are not designed to be a shield for misconduct.

We are working every day to serve our patients and communities with expert sexual and reproductive health care, and every team member makes our mission possible. The staff at PPNCS continue to provide this work during these challenging times in the reproductive health movement, and we will continue to work through the bargaining process to produce a fair and balanced contract for our unionized employees.

The union, which represents 435 workers, has filed an Unfair Labor Practices charge with the National Labor Relations Board.

Right now, there is no timeline for when a ruling could be announced.