Oct 9, 2006 3 min read

I was employed at Brownsville General Hospital (Tara) for the past 27 1/2 years as a licensed practical nurse. I was and still am an officer (vice president) of OPEIU. We had many disagreements with management over the years but always worked together to solve our problems in a professional manner. We took many concessions over the years to help keep the hospital viable. We negotiated a 4-year contract in June that was signed and approved by the new board of directors. We thought we negotiated in good faith, but apparently the new owners didn’t, since they are not honoring OPEIU or PSEA contracts. A contract is legal and binding, something the new owners don’t seem to care about.

Numerous grievances and NLRB charges have been filed, something Mr. Gary Gosai states he is not going to deal with. They want respect but give none to the employees. He feels because he signs the paychecks that he can violate all aspects of both contracts. How can he expect respect from the employees and community after the cutthroat tactics that have happened at BGH since their group took over?

There were 61 employees laid off or positions eliminated. Numerous management positions were let go, good-caring, hard-working people who gave their best every day. Many long time registered nurses have left the hospital because of their devious, backstabbing ways.

You humiliated and degraded us, but we will hold our heads up high with our integrity intact, something you know nothing about. You should bow your heads in shame for what you have done to the loyal employees, some with 35 years of seniority.

These 61 furloughed employees have large, extended families that will not be using your facility. I will always have the utmost respect for the wonderful, caring RNs at BGH and also all of my fellow LPNs. I know that the RNs that still at BGH are overworked, understaffed and being mandated over and over. Their support staff is gone with all of the LPN and CNA positions being eliminated. How safe is this for the patients and also the employees?

Mr. Gosai, most of the employees have or had parents that are unionized, UMWA, steelworkers, etc. They tell us to stick to our guns and to remain strong. We have to protect our members’ rights and our collective bargaining agreements. This is why unions are organized, because of people like you, Mr. Gosai. You lied to the employees and community. You want us to give up everything that we have worked 40 years to obtain. It’s not going to happen, you can take that to the bank.

To the employees who remain at BGH, good luck to you and remain strong in solidarity. If the hospital does close its doors, it’s not something that the employees have done as Mr. Gosai is trying to put the blame on them.

And by the way, Mr. Gosai we are, and will continue, to wag our tails.

Judy White, LPN

Fredericktown