In Louisville, Kentucky a majority of hospital workers at Norton Audubon Hospital have signed union cards many times over the past few decades. Each time, however, the vote to unionize fails. An NLRB judge said management engaged in intimidation and illegal discharges in order to win the elections, making Norton a prime example for labor unions of why labor laws need to be adjusted. Thus far, efforts by Democratic members of Congress have failed to do this, as intense opposition from businesses and Republican congressmen ensues. It is possible that changes will be made to the proposed Employee Free Choice Act in order to build up further support. Meanwhile the fight continues in Kentucky, with pro-union nurses hoping to rebuild support after many nurses have already left the hospital.
See "Bid to Organize Nurses Faces Setback in Congress", Steven Greenhouse, The New York Times, April 20, 2009