Stand Behind our Healthcare Heroes Statement of Samantha DeRiso, President, Central New York Labor Council

Statement of Samantha DeRiso, President, Central New York Labor Council

For immediate release:

May 5, 2020

Contact: Eric Kopp, cnylc.press@gmail.com, (201) 286-5795

Note: St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center recently announced that they were laying off 77 nurses. In response, the nurses will have a rally demanding an end to staffing cuts, on Wednesday, May 6 at 11 am. 

Mohawk Valley Health System’s decision to lay off 77 nurses at St. Elizabeth’s is financially irresponsible and will place the health of our community at risk. A  once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic, when there is already a staffing shortage, is not exactly the best time to lay off a sizable portion of healthcare staff.

Instead of trying to find other cost-saving measures, MVHS’ decision demonstrates how they truly view their workers— expendable and not worth the money. Throughout their daily work during this pandemic, nurses have more than proved how essential they are to society. MVHS’ decision amounts to nothing more than a slap in the face. 

The Central New York Labor Council and workers across Oneida and Herkimer Counties stand in solidarity with the nurses at St. Elizabeth’s. Our nurses have been our guiding light throughout this crisis and are fighting to keep us safe. Now it’s time that we advocate for them. 

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