Employees at Stanford, Packard Children's Hospitals Vote to Accept New Union Representation.

Vote Held Under Supervision of National Labor Relations Board 

STANFORD, Calif. -- By an 858 to 277 vote, employees at Stanford Hospital & Clinics and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital have elected to be represented by the United Healthcare Workers West (UHW) union, hospital officials announced today.

Under National Labor Relations Board rules, the results will not be certified for seven days to allow for any possible challenge to the results.

These employees were formerly represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 715. Because the International Union directed the leadership of Local 715 to transfer employee representation to United Healthcare Workers without the employees' consent, the Hospitals were forced to withdraw recognition of Local 715 effective July 28, 2008. The Hospitals advocated for a fair election so that employees had an opportunity to choose whether or not to be represented by a union.

"We are pleased that over 1100 employees used their voice and voted," said Lori Curry, vice president of human resources for Stanford Hospital & Clinics. "Both the law and fairness required this election."

Balloting was held yesterday (10) and today at both Hospitals with oversight by the National Labor Relations Board, along with union and hospital representatives.

SEIU Local 715 had been representing approximately 1,450 housekeepers, food service workers, nursing assistants, phlebotomists, unit secretaries, transporters and employees working in non-technical and non-professional titles at the hospitals.

Greg Souza, vice president of human resources for Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, added, "We are dedicated to promoting the best interests of our employees and our institutions as we both strive to continue to provide excellent care for our patients."

About Lucile Packard Children's Hospital

Ranked as one of the nation's top pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford is a 272-bed hospital devoted to the care of children and expectant mothers. Providing pediatric and obstetric medical and surgical services and associated with the Stanford University School of Medicine, Packard Children's offers patients locally, regionally and nationally the full range of health care programs and services, from preventive and routine care to the diagnosis and treatment of serious illness and injury. For more information, visit www.lpch.org.

About Stanford Hospital & Clinics

Stanford Hospital & Clinics is known worldwide for advanced treatment of complex disorders in areas such as cardiac care, cancer treatment, neurosciences, surgery, and organ transplants. Ranked #16 on the U.S. News & World Report annual list of "America's Best Hospitals," Stanford Hospital & Clinics is internationally recognized for translating medical breakthroughs into the care of patients. The Hospital is part of the Stanford University Medical Center, along with the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. For more information, visit www.stanfordhospital.com.