The National Labor Relations Board brokered a settlement with Sharon Regional Health System and Service Employees International Union Local 627 under which the health care provider agreed to pay more than $80,000 to two current and former employees.

The agreement, which is the result of unfair labor practice charges levied against the hospital stemming from union activities, also requires Sharon Regional to refrain from certain behavior relating to union members or organizing efforts.

Sharon Regional acknowledged the settlement.

"We believe that the interests of the health system and all other parties involved in bringing this matter to a close were accommodated by the settlement, said Ed Newmeyer, director of marketing and community relations for Sharon Regional "We're happy to now be able to fully focus on our mission of caring for the health care needs of the community.''

NLRB issued an unfair labor practices complaint against Sharon Regional in October after Local 627 filed a complaint with the federal agency.

NLRB had alleged, among other things, Sharon Regional fired employees for their union activities and that a manager threatened to close a unit if workers organized with Local 627.

In the fall of 2000 Local 627 began an organizing effort among various Sharon Regional workers culminating in an organizing vote among a basic unit of employees including non-professional, skilled maintenance and clerical staff workers. Employees rejected joining the union in a 360 to 183 vote.

NLRB alleged the health care provider fired two workers in its physical therapy department, Robert Wojtanowski and Robin Mortimer, and maintenance employee Robert Bechtel, due to their organizing efforts. Also, the agency said in its complaint, Sharon Regional cut the working hours of Frank DiClaudio, a security guard, for his labors with the Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America union.

Without admitting to any wrongdoing, Sharon Regional agreed for Wojtanowski to get $58,000 in back pay and severance, Mortimer, $12,798 in back pay, Bechtel, $12,708 in back pay and DiClaudio $369 in back pay.

Wojtanowski and Mortimer opted not to accept reinstatement while Bechtel was immediately restored his job. All disciplinary action taken by the hospital against the men in regards to the case were expunged from their employee records.

In addition, the settlement calls for the hospital not to: