Banner Health has asked federal labor regulators to overturn a recent union election involving physicians, nurse practitioners, and other clinical employees at its Queen Creek facility. The hospital system argues that the organizing group unlawfully influenced the vote through coercive tactics.
In a motion filed Thursday, Banner Medical Group Inc. alleged that union representatives promised free legal counsel to staff members who signed authorization cards. The company contends these promises created an atmosphere of coercion that interfered with employees' ability to make a free choice during the election.
The Union of American Physicians and Dentists strongly disputes these allegations. Sebastian Gomez, an organizer and negotiator who has worked with Banner Health workers for 18 months, stated that the hospital is attempting to prevent certification of the union. He argued the legal challenge is a strategy to delay negotiations rather than address substantive issues.
"We believe that we have a very strong case to prove, and Banner is just trying to prolong this as long as they can to prevent themselves from getting to the table to make actual changes for the clinicians and their patients," Gomez said.
The dispute follows an early September vote in which 149 employees supported unionization while 66 opposed it. The result established the first union for medical staff in Arizona. Dr. Justin Watkins, a family medicine physician at Banner Clinic in Gilbert, expressed frustration with the hospital's legal challenge.
He noted that many clinicians are experiencing burnout, including working after hours without compensation and managing long patient wait times.
Watkins clarified that organizers were discussing Weingarten rights, which allow union members to request representation during investigatory meetings. He stated this discussion is distinct from offering free legal counsel in exchange for a card. "That's not the same thing as saying, in exchange for a card, we will give you free legal counsel," Watkins said.
