Massachusetts Hospital Closures Leave Workers Jobless Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings
TL/DR –
Two hospitals, Nashoba Valley Medical Center and Carney Hospital in Massachusetts, closed last week, leaving scores of workers jobless. The closures come amid a bankruptcy case involving the hospital’s owners, Steward Health Care, who are based in Dallas. Union leaders Tim Foley and Ellen MacInnis are working to help displaced workers find jobs and ensure they receive their owed severance pay.
Nashoba Valley Medical Center and Carney Hospital Closure Leaves Scores Jobless
The recent closure of Nashoba Valley Medical Center and Carney Hospital in Dorchester has left numerous workers jobless. The closure coincides with the hospital’s parent company, Steward Health Care’s ongoing federal bankruptcy case, which has left many of its employees uncertain about their future.
Union Leaders Step In To Help
During this challenging period, union leaders Tim Foley of 1199 SEIU Healthcare Workers East, and Ellen MacInnis of the Massachusetts Nurses Association are stepping in to help. They provide support to the displaced healthcare workers by helping them navigate the crisis, find new jobs and ensure they receive their owed severance pay.
Impact of Steward’s Bankruptcy
The closure of the two hospitals has made the union’s fight to maintain operations during bankruptcy proceedings more challenging. However, Foley finds solace in the fact that six other Steward-owned hospitals in Massachusetts are set to be sold. MacInnis, a nurse at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, highlights the hardships faced by workers due to Steward’s financial collapse and alleged mismanagement by Steward’s CEO, Ralph de la Torre.
Call For Accountability
The union leaders, alongside Democratic U.S. Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, are calling for accountability from Steward’s CEO for the company’s collapse and his defiance of a congressional subpoena. Governor Maura Healey has also urged Steward to honor its commitments to the workers, insisting on worker severance in bankruptcy negotiations.
Matching Displaced Workers With Jobs
The next big task is to match displaced workers with jobs that fit their family schedules. MacInnis observes that some nurses are choosing to retire, while others seek positions that accommodate their established routines. Despite the ongoing challenges, the union leaders are committed to protecting their members and their rights.
Blaming Mismanagement
The union leaders squarely blame Steward and its mismanagement of its Massachusetts hospitals for the current crisis. They express their disgust at the impact on the state’s healthcare system and pledge support for holding the company accountable.
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