White Plains CitizeNetReporter - Union Leaders Protest Cutbacks at Westchester Medical Center

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. Special to WPCNR from Nancy King, County Roving Correspondent. November 21, 2011: Members of the New York State Nurses Association and members of CSEA local 9201 staged a demonstration Monday on the grounds of the Westchester Medical Center. Union leaders state that they are fed up with hospital CEO Michael Israel and claim that over the past several years, he has quietly cut many of the vital services that the hospital once provided. These cuts have included the Taylor Care Facility that once housed long term and rehabilitative care. Most recently, Israel and the board eliminated the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, a mobile mental health crisis unit that responded to the community with first responders.

According to NYSNA President Sam Caquias, the Medical Center intends to lay off as many as 250 nurses and is intending to bring in nurses from private agencies to provide basic patient care. These “traveling” nurses require no fringe benefits and work at a reduced pay rate. The nursing staff is already countering that there are too few nurses on staff and that patient care is currently being compromised by a bare bones staff. Also joining in today’s demonstration were members of CSEA local 9201. These employees range from ancillary medical staff, facilities engineers and clerical help. At stake for this local are approximately 350 jobs. John Staino, President of Westchester County CSEA states that: “We have top-heavy, over-paid administration making all of these decisions at WMC without any oversight or transparency. At one time, the elected county Board of Legislators had some oversight but we’re now faced with hospital board that seems made up largely by pre-selected insiders who rubber stamp everything that Michael Israel wants.” Both unions are in the process of negotiating new contracts with the Westchester Medical Center. Both unions have been asked to contribute heavily to their health and pension benefits. Currently, both unions do not contribute to their health care benefits. At the time of the demonstration which included two large blow up rats, both union officials claimed that Mr. Israel has claimed that there will be massive layoffs even if those budgetary concessions are made. Despite a large police presence from the Westchester County Police Department, demonstrators were orderly if not spirited as they marched around the large oval just outside the emergency room. No matter what, 2011 and 2012 will prove to be a difficult year for union members here in Westchester County. Earlier this month, County Executive Rob Astorino laid out his prospective budget that includes the layoffs of 250 county union employees. He as well as hospital administrators claim that even if concessions are made, layoffs are likely.


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