Unions say Lawrence + Memorial Hospital layoffs unnecessary
New London - The three unions that represent nursing, technical and support staff at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital has asserted that the layoffs of 33 workers and program cuts announced last week were unnecessary.
In a news release, the three unions, which are part of AFT Connecticut, said the hospital is "putting its profit margin first" and engaging in "reckless behavior." The union said an L+M official said just seven months ago, before the purchase of The Westerly Hospital was approved, that the hospital corporation had more than $200 million in unrestricted investments.
Eleven hospital workers from the three local unions were notified last week that their jobs would be eliminated effective Oct. 6, the union said. Three of these 11 workers are still employed at L+M but with reduced hours. The affected workers include registered nurses, mammography and nuclear medicine technicians, food service workers, and secretaries. The hospital put the number of union layoffs at nine, plus an additional two union members with reduced hours. Hospital spokesman Mike O'Farrell declined to comment.
Stories that may interest you

L+M staff launches COVID-19 vaccination site at Mitchell College
Residents 75 and older from around the state fill first appointments Monday.
Vaccine clinics come to other senior living communities in Connecticut
With the first dose finished at nursing homes, CVS moved on to assisted living facilities, and some independent living facilities have also had clinics.

Long lines for first weekly food distribution event in Norwich
The operation in a former Foxwoods employee parking lot off Route 2 ran smoothly as tens of thousands of pounds of food was distributed to those in need.
Members of two Groton schools test positive for COVID-19
Groton school officials reported Monday that they learned over the weekend that a member of Groton Middle School and a member of Mary Morrisson Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19.
READER COMMENTS