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Hospital Workers Say Concessions Will Diminish Patient Care

Posted on: Tuesday, 17 June 2008, 18:00 CDT

SUN CITY, Calif., June 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Valley Health System, Inc., which filed for bankruptcy protection in December, wants to take millions of dollars away from healthcare workers to ease its continued financial troubles. However, caregivers are looking for a solution that doesn't diminish patient care. At a rally, workers will unveil their plan to encourage the sale of Menifee Valley Medical Center -- a solution that puts patients first.

Even though Valley Health System CEO Fred Harder was quoted in December as saying he "expects a relatively small portion of savings to come from salaries," he continues to press for worker concessions that include the loss of wages, job security and benefits.

"As you can imagine, there will be labor unrest and turmoil with the best workers actively seeking employment elsewhere," said Tommie Kelly-Henson, a registered nurse at Menifee Valley Medical Center. "Caregivers want to keep experienced, dedicated workers at our hospitals so we can maintain a good and consistent quality of care for our community."

David Bullock, chief negotiator for SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West said, "For 2.2 million dollars per year in fees, Harder and his consultants should have a recovery plan that would solve the financial crisis and save the Valley Health System. Instead, Harder and board Chairman Tom Wilson have pushed a plan that won't work. Without an immediate change this will end in a 'fire sale' of all the hospitals and their assets. The Valley Health System board needs to pay attention, change course and sell Menifee Valley Medical Center to save others."

WHO: Hospital workers and community allies WHAT: Rally and press conference WHERE: In front of Menifee Valley Medical Center 28400 McCall Blvd. Sun City WHEN: Wednesday, June 18 Rally begins at 11:30 am Press conference begins at noon

The 150,000-member SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West is the largest hospital and healthcare union in the western United States and represents every type of healthcare worker, including nurses, professional, technical and service classifications. Our mission is to achieve high-quality healthcare for all.

CONTACT: Tadzio Garcia

(213) 300-8974; tgarcia@seiu-uhw.org

SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West

CONTACT: Tadzio Garcia of SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West,+1-213-300-8974, tgarcia@seiu-uhw.org

Web Site: http://www.seiu-uhw.org/

Source: PRNewswire-USNewswire

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