(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – With time running out for the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to approve receivership of the Weinberg Campus to the Lineage Care Group, which would allow residents to stay in their homes, Unionized Health Care Workers, Resident Families and Concerned Community Members participated in an informational Picket held late Tuesday (October 29th) in front of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) in Downtown Buffalo.

1199 Service Employees International (SEIU) United Healthcare Workers East-represented Caregivers took their message directly to decision makers in an effort to save one of the last non-profit nursing homes in Western New York.

Leaders say a receivership plan has been submitted to the NYSDOH and would protect continuity of care for residents and maintain non-profit status. 

“This is an outrageous decision that has to be reversed,” U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy said at a press conference held earlier at the Weinberg Campus in the Buffalo Suburb of Getzville. “If Rosa Coplon on the Weinberg Campus closes people are going to die.  That’s what happens when these homes close, that is a fact.”

1199 SEIU Vice-President Grace Bogdanove said: “For months, we have been doing everything within our power to keep the facility open.  Immediate State funding to support a transfer of ownership will keep Weinberg open - allowing residents and their families to continue receiving the quality care they deserve from our dedicated Union Members.”

Last week, the NYSDOH announced its plan to close one of the largest non-profit nursing homes in Western New York - Weinberg Campus, which is set to close before November 30th, a move that would displace more than 140 residents and 300 of their Caregivers and the in the process diminish the continuity of care which is critical to their well-being, Union Officials said. 

Recently, Workers protested over lack of retroactive pay, unpaid wage increases, unpaid benefits and poor leadership at the facility.

1199 SEIU has also filed a demand to bargain over the effects of the impending closure - including the unpaid wages and benefits for Workers.

Caregivers employed at the Weinberg Campus include Food Service Workers, Maintenance Workers, Cooks, Environmental Service Workers, Housekeepers, Certified Nurse Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, Personal Care Aides, Clerical Workers, Home Health Aides and Community Home Health Aides.

For More On This Labor News Reort, Go To: Today: Weinberg Campus Caregivers, Resident Families, And Community Leaders To Protest In Front Of New York State Department Of Health In Continued Effort To Save Largest Non-Profit Nursing Home (1199seiu.org)

1199 SEIU Photo Collage Via Facebook.