A March 19, 2009 announcement of cooperation between the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the California Nursing Association (CNA) is yet another event that will make it increasingly difficult for health care employers to remain union-free. Formerly bitter enemies, the SEIU and CNA have agreed to work together on organizing health care employees around the country. Their initial focus will be on large, national chains, including Catholic hospital systems. While Florida is the first state to be targeted, health care employers around the country should take steps now to maintain their union-free status.

For further information, please contact Tom H. Luetkemeyer, Thomas Y. Mandler, or one of our Labor & Employment or Health Care attorneys.

This alert has been prepared by Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP to provide information on recent legal developments of interest to our readers. It is not intended to provide legal advice for a specific situation or to create an attorney-client relationship.