Federal labor board accuses Wisconsin behavioral health nonprofit of illegally firing six workers during union drive

The National Labor Relations Board has issued a complaint accusing Rogers Behavioral Health of illegally firing six employees at its West Allis, Wisconsin, treatment center during a union organizing effort, Wisconsin Public Radio reported. NLRB Regional Director Jennifer Hadsall signed the complaint on October 8.

On October 19, the board confirmed the National Union of Healthcare Workers as the bargaining representative for Rogers employees at the West Allis location after rejecting the company’s objections to the election, Spectrum News 1 reported.

The firings

According to the complaint, Rogers fired two nurse practitioners and a physician psychiatrist in February, before the union election, because they supported and assisted the union. In April, Rogers fired three more workers, the complaint says. One was dismissed for escorting the earlier-fired employees to the election, where they cast challenged ballots after the board ruled they were eligible. The other two were fired for supporting the union.

The complaint alleges that Rogers discriminated against employees in hiring, tenure, or terms and conditions of employment, discouraging union membership. A hearing before an administrative law judge is set for December, where both sides can present testimony.

In February, the union filed charges with the board over the firings of three clinicians on February 9, five days after the larger group they belonged to told the company of its union plans, Behavioral Health Business reported. The union demanded their reinstatement. On February 25, 20 Wisconsin state officials, including former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, sent a letter to Rogers CEO Cynthia Meyer urging the company to reinstate them.

The election and the certification

Workers at West Allis voted in favor of the union in April. WPR reported the tally as 54-4, and Spectrum News 1 reported 53-4. The organizing effort involves 99 employees at two Wisconsin locations, West Allis and Madison, according to Behavioral Health Business. Rogers said in a statement that the certification covers a group of employees at its West Allis and Madison clinics.

Rogers had objected to the election on two grounds, Spectrum reported. It said two workers wore costumes during a lunch break on election day, and it objected that three former workers were allowed to vote, although it alleged they were fired for pro-union activity. The board found that neither action tainted the vote.

What each side says

Rogers, a nonprofit based in Oconomowoc, said it is handling the board process “thoughtfully and in good faith through the appropriate channels” and declined further comment because the matter is active. In February a spokesperson said: “We believe we have acted in compliance with applicable law.” In its statement on the certification, the company said it cannot comment further on “pending legal proceedings related to these certifications.” It said it has provided behavioral health care for more than 100 years and remains committed to its employees, patients and communities.

NUHW President Vanessa Coe said: “Rogers actions against its workers in Wisconsin are both illegal and immoral.” She said workers formed unions to push for better patient care, and accused Rogers of retaliation and of spending heavily on outside lawyers. She said Rogers negotiated strong contracts with workers in California and should do the same in Wisconsin. The union noted that the board generally issues complaints only when it finds clear evidence of violations, WPR reported. Coe said Rogers should honor the vote and negotiate a contract.

Kate Zolandz, a West Allis therapist fired in April for union support, told WPR that Rogers challenged her license with the state after her firing. The state ultimately sided with her. She said the federal government is holding Rogers accountable to the law.

Other Rogers locations

About three dozen therapists and clinic assistants in Walnut Creek, California, joined NUHW in 2023, according to Behavioral Health Business. Staff in Los Angeles and San Diego followed in 2024, and 19 employees at the Philadelphia location joined in December 2025. The Philadelphia chapter is negotiating its first contract. The union said the earlier organizing was completed “without any retaliation from Rogers” and led to negotiated raises and caseload limits.

Staff at West Allis began organizing in 2025 after the company reclassified mental health clinician roles from salaried to hourly, the union told Behavioral Health Business. The union said that led to workers being sent home during low patient census and to higher caseloads, with caseload caps lifted.