Public Employee Press

Hospital leave delays produce back pay

Tamara Williams puts her 1000-watt smile and welcoming manner to good use at the reception desk in the Elmhurst Hospital Radiology Dept. A Local 1549 Clerical Associate IV, Williams went on maternity leave in May 2004 and had her second child, Caleb, in June.

In May 2005 Williams was eager to return to the women’s health service position she had held since 1984. But the hospital didn’t provide a place for her until August 2005. Immediately, she turned to Chief Shop Steward Olivia Crum to file a grievance for lost pay.

In May Williams was awarded over $7,000, the pay she lost while she was available but not working. “Council Rep Eddie Douglass worked with me and took me through all the steps,” said Williams, now the hardworking mother of three small sons.

Douglass also helped long-term Elmhurst employee Delia Negron win over $7,000 in lost pay in a similar situation. After a year of sick leave, in June 2005 she was ready to return to the position she’d held for 15 years. But management didn’t call her back until October.

In both cases, said Assistant Clerical Division Director Renee Gainer, management had violated its own Health and Hospitals Corp. procedures on return to duty.

Negron was able to pay off her bills and credit card and take a trip to Disney World. “It was well done. It happened faster than I thought it could,” she said.

“I am glad we won these grievances and proud of these members for trusting the union with their problems,” said Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez. “Members should bring us any problems they need help with.”