Public Employee Press

HHC fires ”Employee of the Year”; Local 1549 saves her job and leave

Consuelo Mojica schedules clients and doctors, calls to remind patients of their appointments and reschedules when necessary for the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Diagnostic Treatment Center, a vital community health clinic in the impoverished South Bronx community.

The mother of five sons, Mojica loves her job and has provided exemplary service throughout her 13 years at the Health and Hospitals Corp. facility. She has decorated the walls of her workspace with certificates and accolades — Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards and commendations for her contributions for diabetes treatment, healthy eating workshops, and more.

It came as a surprise March 23 when she received a cold termination notice, due to a diploma missing from her file. Working together, Mojica and Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1549 straightened management out.

Mojica obtained the document, but HHC’s wrongful termination had cost her 13 days of work. Management charged the time to her annual leave. Second Vice President Ralph Palladino, a grievance rep in the DC 37 Clerical Division, joined in her struggle to be made whole. Finally, in August, her 13 leave days were restored.

“I had a chance to work with her when I first started in the medical records department, and I know Consuelo Mojica works very hard,” said Shop Steward William Banfield. “She puts in 120 percent effort. For employees like her to be mistreated is really unfair.”

“She was very forceful in seeking assistance. Even when things looked bad, she stood up for her rights and didn’t take management’s word,” said Palladino.

“When management messes up, we clean up by filing grievances,” said Assistant Clerical Division Director Renee Gainer.

“My union and Ralph Palladino were very helpful, because Human Resources did not want to hear from me,” said Mojica. “I’m very happy now.”