WORKERS SUSPENDED FOR ORGANIZING -- CALL USC ADMIN!!!

Two workers who are leaders in union organizing have been suspended -- Michael Torres (who has been coming to the actions at USC) and Julio Estrada. This is the latest in USC's effort to squash union organizing with the help of union busting consulting firm The Weissman Group.

The reasons for suspension were that last week, Michael was at the hospital during his day off, and talked to Julio. Although workers often come to the hospital during their time-off, the management called the LAPD Labor Detail -- which didn't intervene and said Michael had the right to be there.  However, the next day management called the workers, to say they were suspended and under investigation.

This is illegal and clearly in retaliation for organizing, especially since the election date is now set for May 26 and 27. Workers have the right to organize and discuss workplace conditions, but USC is ramping up its harassment before the election. NUHW is filing an unfair labor practice charge with National Labor Relations Board -- but this will take a lot of time, exactly what USC wants.

- Please CALL and EMAIL the administration, human resources, and hospital management in solidarity!  Demand that the suspended workers be reinstated ASAP, that USC end retaliation for organizing, and that USC rescind the Weissman Group.  Also, please express support for the nurses' and students' demands to meet with the administration -- so far hospital management has refused nurses' request for a meeting.  Please see below for contact numbers.

  The USC admin is protective of their public image so the more calls the better!

- Mitchell Creem, Chief Executive Officer, USC University Hospital & SC Norris Cancer Hospital
creem@health.usc.edu +1 323 442 8444, 323-442-8656
- Matthew McElrath, Chief Human Resources Officer, USC Hospital
matthew.mcelrath@health.usc.edu +1 323 442 8645

- Steven Sample, USC President, presofc@usc.edu, 323-740-2111
- CL Max Nikias, Provost, provost@usc.edu 323-740-2101