Public Case No. R 1976-008
Missouri Nurses Association v.
University of Missouri Medical Center, Columbia, Missouri
MONA filed a petition for all Registered Nurses employed by the University of Missouri Medical Center. The University initially challenged the appropriateness of the petitioner, based on the fact that it had Supervisory Nurses on its Board of Directors. The University argued this created a conflict of interest, even though none of the University’s supervisors were on the Board of Directors. The Board noted that the union’s bargaining authority is delegated to the petitioner’s Economic and General Welfare Committee, and that any bargaining agreement must be ratified by the local unit. Therefore, the Board concluded that the petitioner is entitled to be certified as a bargaining representative.
The University next argued that a unit of only Registered Nurses is inappropriate. Instead they argued that the unit should include all professionals. Although the Board normally would seek a broad unit, they noted that nurses have special responsibilities and training, which justifies a separate unit.
Next, the University argued that the appropriate unit should not be limited to the University of Missouri Medical Center in Columbia. Instead they argued it should also include RN’s at the Student Health Clinics at all the campuses in the University system. The Board agreed to this position and included those RN’s in the unit. They noted that the general labor policies of the University applied to all. They also noted that it is the policy of the Board to prevent over fragmentation of bargaining units.
Finally, the University argued that Head Nurses should be excluded as supervisors. The Board concluded they were true supervisors. They noted the Head Nurses’ ability to effect personnel decisions. They also relied on the Head Nurses’ higher salary.