MT. SHASTA, Calif., April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid controversy regarding the announcement from Mercy Mt. Shasta Hospital that it will close the doors of the Sub-Acute Care Unit, caregivers are disappointed and deeply concerned about the impact that the closure will have on hospital workers and the Mt. Shasta community. Although the Sub-Acute Care Unit will directly impact the employment of workers who staff the unit, the threatened layoffs are actually more far-reaching throughout the hospital. Upwards of 20% of the hospital’s workforce (roughly 50-60 caregivers), could be affected.
“I’m disappointed with the decisions that they’re making,” stated Patty Montz, a Respiratory Therapist and 25-year employee at Mercy Mt. Shasta. “We’re a community hospital, doing our best to serve the needs of our residents. Now, the hospital alleges that the layoffs are necessary for financial reasons, however, the organization that owns and operations Mercy Mt. Shasta made more than 263 million dollars in profits last year alone,” added Montz.”
SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West (UHW), the union that represents the caregivers, are pleased that hospital management, is at least, following the guidelines of their contract which requires that 90-day notice be given before layoffs can be implemented. The union will be holding their first bargaining meeting with hospital management on May 3 in an effort to minimize the impact on caregivers and the community.
SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West, with more than 137,000 members, is the largest and most powerful healthcare union in the Western U.S. We represent every type of healthcare worker, including nursing, professional, technical and service classifications. Our mission is to achieve high quality healthcare for all.
Contact: Kay Carney 510-773-7229
SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West
CONTACT: Kay Carney, +1-510-773-7229, for SEIU United HealthcareWorkers-West
Web site: http://www.seiu-uhw.org/