Upstate, NY - 1199SEIU was notified by New York State Department of Health and Living Legends/McGuire^[1]management group that Absolut Care of Westfield submitted a plan of closure to the state in June. The employer failed to provide advanced notice to the union regarding its plan to close the 120-bed facility located in rural Chautauqua County. 

 

“We were taken into the activity room and management told us they were closing our facility because they can’t come to agreement with the landlord on their new lease. I felt devastated because I have spent my entire adult life at the same facility. I’m not just thinking about myself, I’m also thinking about the residents who now must be uprooted from their homes. It’s so sad, because it’s preventable,” said Becky Shioleno, Licensed Practical Nurse.

 

“The Department of Health approved a plan of closure submitted by the owner months ago without any discussions with anyone about the impact of closing the nursing home,” said 1199 EVP Todd Hobler.  “Workers, residents and their families and community member deserved to have their voices heard before a decision like this was made,” said Todd Hobler, 1199SEIU Executive Vice-President for Upstate/WNY Division. 

 

“Westfield has been a staple in our community for over 30 years. We have cared for many members of the community while also uplifting the community with events. We play an active role in supporting and healing community members from all across the county and our facility is worth fighting for.  Because of the vital role it plays in the community, we should take a second look to come to an agreement in hopes of keeping our doors open for our residents, their families, and our staff members,” said Karly Beaujean, Licensed Practical Nurse.  

 

Early yesterday, 1199SEIU submitted a demand to bargain over the impact of the closure to workers and has since held meetings with workers to discuss plans going forward.  Effects bargaining over the now planned closure will help to ensure healthcare workers have a transition to employment elsewhere and a quality severance package.

 

Union members at Absolut of Westfield work as Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants, Housekeepers, Laundry Workers, Cooks and Dietary Workers.