(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – Now, it’s a race against time as Elected Leaders, distraught families, residents and their Union-represented Caregivers continue to call on the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to reconsider plan to close the campus and to fund and approve a receivership plan that would keep Weinberg Campus open. 

With only 46 residents remaining, time is of the essence to save nearly 200 jobs and to avoid any further disruption of care for residents.

NYSDOH Commissioner James McDonald met with Weinberg Campus and Schofield Leaders Friday (November 1st) at the campus. 

Leaders of 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Workers East - the Union representing Weinberg Campus Caregivers, were later informed that both Weinberg Campus and Lineage Care Group are working to turn in documents needed for the NYSDOH to review a plan for receivership. 

This is a victory that moves the process in the right direction, Union Officials said. 

Resident families left in limbo are growing more frustrated by the day as some cannot find placement for their loved ones - and chronic underfunding of Medicaid reimbursement rates and limited bed availability may both be key factors.

Grace Bogdanove, who serves as 1199 SEIU Vice-President for Western New York Nursing Homes, said: “We are glad that the Department of Health has realized the crisis that the closure of Weinberg Campus has created in Western New York and that the State is now considering a receivership plan by Lineage Care Group.  We understand the Commissioner met with both (Weinberg Representatives) at the campus and that both parties are currently working to provide the information needed for review by the State.  It is imperative the State expedites the review of materials and approve the application so that we can work to stabilize the campus as quickly as possible - for residents and Workers.” 

The NYSDOH announced plans to close one of the largest non-profit nursing homes in Western New York before November 30th, displacing more than 140 residents and 300 of their 1199 SEIU-represented Caregivers.

In recent days, Workers protested over lack of retroactive pay, unpaid wage increases, unpaid benefits and poor leadership at the facility near the Buffalo Suburb of Amherst.

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

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: NYS Department of Health Commissioner’s Arrival At Weinberg Campus in Getzville Provides Glimmer Of Hope To Residents, Families, and Caregivers Still Reeling From Closure Announcement (1199seiu.org)