In Norwich, Connecticut, the Backus Federation of Nurses is challenging Hartford Healthcare in federal court over compliance with a new state law that limits mandatory overtime for nurses. The union claims the healthcare provider has not adhered to the legislation aimed at improving patient safety by preventing exhausted nurses from working excessive hours. Despite efforts to negotiate, the case has escalated to the federal level as both parties dispute the applicability of state versus federal labor laws.
The conflict centers on Connecticut’s recent legislation prohibiting nurses from working more than 12 hours within a 24-hour period. While the union insists the law is clear and enforceable, Hartford Healthcare argues it is preempted by federal labor regulations. As this legal battle unfolds, the Connecticut Attorney General's office has been asked to review the case, and nurses continue to manage their schedules to ensure patient care remains a priority.
Union Advocates for Legal Compliance and Patient Safety
The Backus Federation of Nurses, representing healthcare professionals at Backus Hospital, emphasizes the importance of adhering to the newly enacted state law designed to enhance patient safety. They argue that limiting mandatory overtime for nurses can reduce medical errors caused by fatigue. Despite multiple attempts to discuss the matter with hospital management, the union has found no resolution, leading them to seek judicial intervention.
The union’s attorney, Eric Chester, highlights that their primary objective is to ensure the hospital complies with the law rather than engaging in prolonged litigation. He explains that the original legal challenge was initiated in state court but was moved to federal jurisdiction due to differing interpretations of labor laws. According to Chester, the state law is straightforward and should be enforceable, aiming to protect both patients and healthcare workers from the risks associated with overworked staff. The union believes that by enforcing these restrictions, they can significantly improve the quality of care provided to patients.
Hospital Management and Legal Strategies
Hartford Healthcare, the owner of Backus Hospital, maintains that the state law restricting mandatory overtime for nurses is overridden by federal labor laws. This stance has led to a motion to dismiss the case, supported by arguments that the National Labor Relations Act governs the bargaining relationship between the union and the hospital. The transition of the case from state to federal court has also prompted involvement from the Connecticut Attorney General’s office, which is reviewing the constitutional implications of the public health statute.
Meanwhile, nurses at Backus Hospital have implemented informal measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing dispute. Heather Brauth, a registered nurse and treasurer of the Backus Nurses Union, explains that despite upper-level management directives, nurses are taking proactive steps to prevent colleagues from exceeding the 12-hour work limit. They have devised a system where nurses voluntarily cover shifts to avoid mandatory overtime, demonstrating solidarity and commitment to patient safety. Brauth acknowledges that while the situation is challenging, the union is prepared for a protracted legal battle, driven by the belief that patients deserve optimal care from fully rested and capable healthcare providers.