Enhanced pay recognizes 300 workers for dedicated service during pandemic

Press Release

Quincy, MA (May 11, 2020) – Healthcare workers with 1199SEIU reached an agreement with Lynn Community Health Center in Lynn that provides enhanced hourly pay for workers ranging from $3-12/hour, dependent on job role and responsibilities. The agreement for crisis pay is for the duration of the public health emergency and covers a wide range of workers including medical assistants, RNs, clerical staff, screeners, and nurse practitioners. 

“This is a real victory for frontline caregivers who go above and beyond to deliver high-quality care even as they brush aside fear every day. This agreement recognizes their hard work during this unprecedented moment in history,” said Tim Foley, executive vice president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Massachusetts’ largest and fastest growing healthcare union. “We implore all healthcare providers to follow LCHC’s example in utilizing a portion of funding from the CARES Act and future stimulus packages to be used as additional compensation for frontline healthcare workers who have been protecting our communities day-in and day-out.”

“We are doing this in recognition of the added dimension of risk and uncertainty that our employees experience in providing in-person care.   It is a small way of recognizing the commitment displayed by LCHC staff,” said Dr. Kiame Mahaniah, CEO.  “In less than two weeks, employees at every level of the organization pulled together to transform our delivery of care.   We are meeting the challenge of the pandemic crisis, with our staff’s safety our driving imperative, while providing over 5000 medical, dental, vision and behavioral health visits weekly.   My gratitude goes to all LCHC staff, including those who work primarily remotely.   It is our work together that allows us to be greater than we can be individually.”

“I am thankful that the quality care my colleagues and I provide to our community is being recognized during this time. We are essential in stopping the spread of this virus and caring for our community so our pay should reflect that,” said Lorraine Lozado, Clinical Assistant from Lynn Community Health Center. “Crisis pay does that and ensures that I am better able to provide for my family.” 

With the pressure healthcare workers face, it is critical that they are compensated for putting themselves in harm’s way during this global pandemic.