The following is a statement from Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes following the successful vote Wednesday by workers at Rogers Behavioral Health clinic to join the National Union of Healthcare Workers, which comes after Lt. Governor Barnes joined in signing a letter of support in February after allegations of union-busting by Rogers management:
“Unions are critical to making sure that workers get the support they need—including a seat at the table where decisions are made.
“I’m proud to have stood by these mental health professionals every step of the way—and I’m even prouder of their courage in speaking up for what they deserve in the face of efforts by their employer to silence them.
“These nurses, therapists, and psychiatrists deserve a real voice in ensuring that their center has the staffing and the resources to deliver high-quality care to their patients.
“When I’m Governor, I will always stand by our unions, including as I fight to repeal Act 10 and restore full collective bargaining rights. Unions built Wisconsin, and it’s our job to have their backs.”
