Are you kidding? Have they gone mad?

Well, my daily trip to New London continues only to find another cold night in December where the lock out continues at L+M for techs and nurses of the area AFT locals.  But after warming up a bit with the gas heaters on the street, I realize we are just hot for information about what this dissension is all about. 

Soon, conversation starts between Union AFT Legislative Advisor and Advocate and Associate for Mobilization Ryan Henowitz, that this saga continues and bitterness ensues.

Why you ask?  Well, that question was answered when a local Navy gentleman stopped his car, got out and asked why this happening.  Answers quickly came forward from Vice President of the Tech Union, Mitch Ross Local 5051 who said that the amount of money being paid to replace their jobs and the lockout is really a problem and that the job security issue is a large sticking point in this strike.  Karl Topfer, an RN also said that the administration seems to not understand that they are not being very nice.  As he was trying to keep the gas heat lamp going, the conversation continued with the Navy passerby.  This man seemed to understand that there was a collective problem not just locally, but nationally with health care and the way corporations are doing business. 

Several motorists beeped in support of these late night strikers and the feeling was hopeful, bitter, and strong with the local representatives hoping for a resolution to this saga. 

One person I spoke named Alice said, “they (the hospital) are being very nasty and everything you see, hear and read are lies.”  I worked with Alice a few years back, and if Alice is saying this, then she is telling the truth.  She always told it like it was and often people didn’t want to hear it.  I remember her well and thought, she is a tough cookie.  But, I respected her very well when I knew she was right.  We have shared employee stories ever since whenever I see her and we agree on many things.

So, I had to just listen and then something was said that just infuriated me:  Mitch looked across the street and pointed to the plowed parking lot that was fenced off.  Yes, the hospital actually plowed a closed, locked out parking lot today and Mitch couldn’t believe it.  What a waste of money.  And let me tell you all something.  That is the parking lot which the hospital wanted to build on but was deed restricted to protect the water view.  Just like them cutting down the great copper beach tree, they almost ruined this community hospital by trying to change its long time small town image.  Some changes and upgrades were needed, but thank goodness some things are protected.  Just another example of an institution gone mad!