Labor Board Seeks Injunction Against Cambria Co. Nursing Home

A handful of former union workers at Cambria County's nursing home are fighting to get their jobs back.

Several employees were not re-hired after Grane Healthcare purchased Laurel Crest Rehabilitation & Special Care Center in January.

The National Labor Relations Board subsequently filed a complaint, claiming that Grane hasn't recognized the union since purchasing the facility, which is now called the Cambria Care Center.

A hearing on the complaint was held in two phases. It began in July and wrapped up a couple of weeks ago in Cambria County Court. Now, the regional labor board is asking a federal judge to force Grane to rehire the union workers who are affected.

Officials said it could take up to a year for the NLRB to rule on the unfair labor practice allegations.

Earlier this summer, a former Laurel Crest worker said she was fighting to get her job back at the Cambria Care Center.

Roxanne Lamer said, "They had said that anyone that had wanted a job would have a job. I filled out an application. I did the physical the drug test and the criminal background test and I had to pass it all because I do work for the Cambria County Prison -- and I was never called and offered a position."

Cambria County sold the home to Grane effective Jan. 1 for $14.3 million because the county was losing money.

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Previous Stories: January 1, 2010: Former Laurel Crest Facility Assumes New Ownership December 23, 2009: Laurel Crest's New Owner Begins Hiring Process November 6, 2009: Laurel Crest Sale Moving Forward September 25, 2009: Strike Diverted At Cambria County Nursing Home September 16, 2009: County Nursing Home Employees Set To Strike July 31, 2009: Cambria County Commissioners, Several Groups Interested In Purchasing Laurel Crest July 2, 2009: Buyers Show Interest In Laurel Crest