110 nursing home workers join CSEA Outsourcing woes among chief complaints MEDINA — Orchard Manor Nursing Home employees began to see changes in their facility last January when ownership switched from the publicly controlled Medina Hospital to a downstate, private company. But the nursing home’s workers fought back, forming a union to get fairness and respect on the job. The new owner, nursing home mogul Moshe Sheiner and his management company, Global Health Service’s “money saving” changes affected everyone. Staffing and schedules were shortchanged, leaving workers scrambling to keep up and get it all done. Management began to neglect the facility, causing health and safety issues such as running out of over-the-counter medicine or not repairing air conditioning units in the kitchen or washing machines. They also eliminated coveted quality care programs for the residents such as ice cream days and wine Sundays all just to save a few bucks. Standing strong The workers, comprised of licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, physical therapy aides, dietary workers, and maintenance workers, brought these and many other concerns to management, but they didn’t budge. In response, the workers called CSEA to form a union, knowing a union is the best way to solve these outsourcing problems. The Orchard Manor workers, along with CSEA organizing guidance, formed a tight, wellorganized machine. In the current rough climate of organizing, they expected that organizing wouldn’t be easy but, what came in the weeks to come, no one could predict. A brutal fight Shortly after the workers achieved a majority and asked for recognition from management, the assault began. Despite the previous moneysaving moves, money seemed to be no object when management hired a self-proclaimed “labor consulting firm” (union busting firm) and began captive audience meetings. It was estimated that Orchard Manor paid union busters between $235 and $285 per hour for this “consulting,” which in reality was actually one-on-one brow beating, intimidation and worker coercion. This behavior became the norm at Orchard Manor. As the campaign heated up, five workers were suspended or terminated from their jobs. CSEA officials said this campaign was one of the most brutal antiunion campaigns the union has ever seen. But, in the end, the workers won when they voted for a union. Solidarity and victory Workers were helped along by strong public support, significant local media coverage and strong Orchard Manor workers cheer after hearing the election results were in their favor. solidarity from CSEA members who live and work around Medina. Western Region President Flo Tripi was instrumental in rallying Orleans County officers in support of the Orchard Manor workers, including Orleans County Local Recording Secretary Jennifer Hazel and her grandmother, an Orchard Manor resident, who offered support at one of the most critical, fiercest stages of the relentless union-busting offensive. In the end, the workers prevailed. It took guts, it took courage and they did it. The fight continues The celebration however, was short-lived. Orchard Manor officials immediately legally challenged ballots, tried to ignore labor laws and prolonged union certification by challenging all board decisions, in effect slowing the inevitable and wasting more money that could be spent on residents and making improvements through a partnership with the newly organized workers. Through months of litigation and additional stall tactics, a judge recently again threw out the charges, ruling in the favor of CSEA and the Orchard Manor workers. Just when it was to be over, Orchard Manor filed objections to the objections ruling, further stalling things. Attorneys for Sheiner and his Global Health Services have teamed up with the Harrisburg, Pa.-based Capozzi & Adler law firm and continue to fight CSEA. The workers have vowed to stick this through to the end. This is just a taste of what might be to come from continued outsourcing of public services to privately held companies. — Jill Asencio Organizing challenges in 2014 Recent challenges to numerous National Labor Relations Board nominees have left us with a fragmented board too weak to amend existing murky private sector rules. A backlog of cases made worse by the government shutdown has given us a new normal, one where we are often behind even before we begin. This is why it is vital to have CSEA member support systems in place to help organize and support new workers. The best voice about the benefit of a union is from a union member. Jennifer Hazel, right, secretary of the Orleans County Local, poses with her grandmother Mary, an Orchard Manor resident. They offered encouragement and support to the workers at a critical time in the campaign. January 2014 The Work Force 7
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