Union alleges UNM SRMC is retaliating against employee

United Health Professionals of New Mexico, a union representing nurses and other health professionals at the University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center, filed charges against the hospital Thursday with the Public Employee Labor Relations Board over UNM SRMC’s actions against an employee and union member.

According to an UHPNM release, Gilbert Martinez, who works in the radiology department, is facing retaliation by UNM SRMC for speaking out for patient care and insisting the hospital adhere to national radiology guidelines.

The release said Martinez appeared recently before the PELRB to discuss why a union and accompanying contract would help patients receive better care.

“The hospital is retaliating against Mr. Martinez for speaking out and speaking the truth on behalf of patient safety. UNM SRMC’s actions are attempts to intimidate Mr. Martinez and chill the exercise of a union’s right to advocate for patients,” said Shane Youtz, the union’s attorney.

Adrienne Enghouse, chief organizer for UHPNM, said Martinez was called in for an “investigatory meeting” by UNM SRMC the day after he testified to the Labor Relations Board.

“UNM SRMC President Jamie Silva-Steele is refusing to acknowledge the hospital’s shortcomings, but the nurses and other health professionals want changes made immediately to ensure patients get the best care possible,” Enghouse said.

UHPNM said Martinez also has been consistently urging the hospital to follow American College of Radiology guidelines to have two radiologists present when an MRI is given. Martinez said there usually is only one present because of staff shortages.

“At UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC) — a Campus of UNM Hospital, patient safety is our highest priority, as is our employees’ well-being,” said Nicole San Roman, external communications manager, UNM Health and Health Sciences. “Thank you for reaching out on this matter; however, it is our policy not to comment on any employee’s confidential personnel information as well as any pending legal matters.”

Labor relations have been a big topic at SRMC with health workers raising concerns about the working conditions at the hospital and pleading with SRMC management to negotiate a contract.

In 2022, UHPNM moved to form a public employee union as a joint effort by the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico and the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers Lodge #794.

Leading the way for the health care workers was Enghouse, a former nurse at SRMC.

“We have filed for our recognition,” Enghouse said in 2022, “and we are just waiting for them to confirm that we have a majority. At that point, we will sit down and negotiate a contract. Today is about celebrating that landmark event.”

The hospital, however, hasn’t gone along with the UHPNM’s move to unionize, the union claims.

UHPNM says that SRMC leadership has been refusing to negotiate for months, despite “dangerously low staffing levels, instances of workplace violence and a failing grade from Medicare.”

“Nurses and other health care professionals need a voice at the bargaining table so that issues that directly affect patients are dealt with, including improving staffing levels, seriously facing safety concerns and raising wages to retain and recruit talented professionals,” Enghouse said. “UNM Sandoval is constantly wasting hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to fight the workers, who are simply trying to improve patient care.”