Public Employee Press


Upholding the contract
Union wins $33,000 salary grant for assaulted hospital worker

NYC Health+Hospitals is contractually required to continue paying recovering victims of workplace violence up to 18 months.

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

NYC Health+Hospitals settled a grievance to pay a Local 420 member $33,000, after Kings County Hospital management failed to award a salary grant to the Behavioral Health Associate, who was assaulted on the job in 2014.

DC 37 Hospitals Division Council Rep Felicita Creque filed the grievance after learning that hospital management had dropped the ball and never placed the member, Mike George, under the contractual grant for assaulted workers.

"My union, especially Ms. Creque, was there for me every step of the way and I am grateful for everything they did to help me," George said.

"The patient came out of nowhere and sucker punched me. The next thing I knew I was knocked to the ground," said George, who has worked in the Kings County Psyche Ward since 2007. "A coworker tackled the violent patient, and I remember being wheeled to the Emergency Room."

George sustained injuries to his back and neck. The nerve damage, doctors say, prevents him from returning to work.

The union negotiated the grant under Article 5, Section 10 of the citywide agreement that requires the employer to pay employees their salary immediately when they are assaulted at work. DC 37 members who qualify can receive a salary grant for up to 18 months. Additionally NYC Health + Hospitals must comply with state law and hold the job open for two years.

"The grievance went to Step 3 before management admitted their mistake. George's case fell through the cracks of bureaucracy," Creque said. "I was determined to make sure Kings County paid the grant that should have been in place for Mr. George from day one."

"It was tough to make ends meet for a while," George said. But eventually workers' compensation came through. "I can't sit or stand, I can't lift. I'm in pain every day," George said, "but I'm grateful my union fought for me to the end."