Service and maintenance workers at Geisinger-Lewistown hospital held a one-day unfair labor practice strike on May 6th to stand up against Geisinger’s attempts to lower job standards and eliminate their pension.
“When Geisinger bought our hospital, it promised to invest in the community,” said Lisa Snook, who has worked as a cook at the hospital for 14 years. “Taking away good middle-class jobs is not how you do that.”
Despite making $300 million in profit last year, Geisinger is attempting to lower the wage scale for housekeepers, patient care assistants, maintenance mechanics, food service workers, and other hospital employees. Geisinger’s CEO makes $5 million/year and got a 125% pay raise in 2012. In negotiations, management told the workers, who make an average of $13/hour, that they are “overpaid.”
“This isn’t just about those of us working at the hospital here now,” continued Snook. “Our hospital is one of the largest employers in the area, and these cuts will have a big impact on the future of our community. That’s why we need to take a stand.”
Anne McCalips has worked in the hospital for over seven years. She works with chemo patients, encouraging them to eat and helping find foods they are able to eat while undergoing treatment.
“I like taking care of people, and I have developed good relationships with my patients,” said McCalips. “I’m out here for them – to make sure they will continue to have quality care. The other day one said to me ‘Thank you for doing this for our future.’ That means a lot.”
Workers have received strong community support for their efforts. They head back to negotiations unified, ready to win a fair contract.