The indirect effects of high unemployment takes a toll on healthcare costs of retiree participants in collectively bargained plans. Many retiree-participants in union health and welfare funds are facing large increases in monthly contributions (from $50 to as much as $864 pert month. Yikes!

National Nurses United claims a lopsided victory at a Florida Medical Center. The NLRB conducted representation election was won by the union 158-32. The bargaining unit contains about 250 registered nurses.

The NFL signaled, again, its intention to play hardball. NFL Commissioner Goodell says the NFL's decision is a good reason for the NFLPA to come to the bargaining table and reach a new deal with the league.

The NLRB is considering a different standard for determining the appropriate bargaining unit in longterm care facilities. The Board recently solicited briefs on the issue. The prediction is the Obama Board will allow much more flexibility in carving out job classification units in long term care facilities. Rather than presuming only a unit including non-supervisory nursing employees, housekeepers, laundry and dietary employees is appropriate, separate units may be ordered for one or more departments. This would  significantly advantage piecemeal organizing of facilities and Balkanized collective bargaining.