More Than 150 Saint Francis Hospital Nurses Speak Out Against Union Representation in Petition to NLRB

Nurses speak out in support of their hospital and against union representation, citing concerns about pressure and intimidation by union organizers

EVANSTON, Ill., October 19, 2026--Over 150 award-winning nurses at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston – a member of the nonprofit Prime Healthcare Foundation – have submitted a petition opposing unionization to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), entitled "We the St. Francis Nurses Do NOT Want Union Representation."

The petition, submitted on Oct. 12, 2026, expresses nurses' concerns about pressure and intimidation to engage in unlawful activity beyond the protected activity under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The unlawful activity included unauthorized presence on hospital property, interference with hospital operations, and conduct that intimidates employees or patients and disrupts patient care. The petition reflects the voices of nurses who oppose union representation and wish to continue working directly with hospital leadership, free from coercion or intimidation.

"Nurses have every right to oppose union representation and to make that decision without fear, coercion, or intimidation," said Rosenda M. Barrera, MSN, RN. "Appropriate disagreement and lawful advocacy have a place in labor relations, but threats, harassment, intimidation, targeting families or jeopardizing patient care do not. The overwhelming majority of nurses come to work every day committed to caring for their patients. Nothing about a labor dispute should disrupt that fundamental responsibility or the safety and dignity of patients, caregivers and their families."

Such unlawful activities can disrupt patient care and hospital operations. In certain instances, law enforcement assistance has been requested when protesters allegedly entered private hospital property without authorization or obstructed access to emergency departments and hospital entrances. Patients, families and healthcare professionals deserve safe, unobstructed access to hospitals without fear of harassment or intimidation. Union organizing activities must respect these fundamental protections and must never interfere with the delivery of patient care.

These broader concerns are also reflected in a lawsuit filed on October 5, 2026, alleging that the California Nurses Association (CNA) and National Nurses United (NNU) engaged in conduct extending beyond lawful labor activity, including threats, harassment, intimidation and invasions of privacy. According to the complaint, employees who did not support union organizing experienced pressure, intimidation and harassment, including unwanted contact and uninvited visits to their homes. The lawsuit seeks to protect employees and their families from alleged harassment and intimidation and preserve their rights to make individual decisions regarding union representation.