Media Advisory – Nov. 26, 2012
Workers call for transparency, independent audit tonight
WATSONVILLE, Calif. – Salud Para La Gente workers and community members tonight will urge the board to hold off on layoffs and stop the closure of a vital program for seniors.
The nonprofit serves thousands of low-income patients in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. The group’s board claims a $200,000 monthly shortfall will require them to layoff frontline workers (no managers) and shut down the Elderday program, which provides about 100 seniors with medical services and meals.
Tonight, workers will urge the board to provide more transparency by hiring an independent auditor and to allow workers an opportunity to seek alternatives to layoffs and closures.
“It’s a knee-jerk response to layoff several line staff members and cut services to the community we serve,” said Matt Nathanson, SEIU Local 521 Regional Vice-President. “We look to the board to be transparent with the community about its finances and to be fiscally responsible by hiring an independent auditor. Cutting services is alarming to the community and must not be done until we have a clear understanding of the problem.”
WHAT: Salud Para La Gente workers and community members tonight will urge the board to hold off on layoffs and stop the closure of a vital program for seniors.
WHEN: Tonight, Nov. 26, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Salud Para La Gente administrative office, 195 Aviation Way, Suite 200, Watsonville
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The Service Employees International Union is an organization of 2.1 million members united by the belief in the dignity and worth of workers and the services they provide. SEIU is dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families and creating a more just and humane society.
For more information, visit www.seiu521.org
