Public Employee Press

Model employee stands up for co-workers
Harlem Psych emergency staff win their differentials

Clerical Associate Lynn Holloway led the charge on behalf of her co-workers at Harlem Hospital, filing the grievance that won the assignment differential they were due for working in the Psychiatric Emergency Room.

Such differentials are paid to employees who work very difficult jobs, such as Ward Clerks and staff at the Patient Information Desk, said Grievance Rep Eugene Williams. "People sometimes don't pay attention when they are due this money," he said.

"All too often, management neglects the differentials," said Clerical Division Director Renee Gainer. "That's why we have a union - to enforce the contract."

Holloway is just the sort of model employee every hospital needs. She went to school and earned her bachelor's degree while working full time and is about to start studying for her master's degree in Psychiatric Social Work. Along the way, she fought breast cancer.

"I've worked here over 20 years with outstanding evaluations, but no recommendation to move up, while others without my qualifications are promoted," said Holloway.

A Step IA grievance hearing resolved the matter, and Holloway and five co-workers received the assignment differential retroactive for 120 days.

"I was very impressed with the union," she said. "It's a difficult job - we are on the front line and I always try to treat the patients as if I were in their shoes."

"The money is due and they deserve it for doing a very difficult job," said Chief Shop Steward Crystal Edwards, who worked with Williams on the grievance.

Shop Steward Terez Benjamin said, "It's a big plus when our members get what they deserve!"