Public Employee Press

Union saves MetroPlus member's job

Management "provided insufficient evidence to substantiate its charges" against MetroPlus Marketing Representative Enilda Lopez "and disciplinary action is not warranted," ruled the Labor Relations Specialist who heard the union's defense of Lopez at a June 23 disciplinary hearing.

After Lopez had worked more than four years on the job at North Central Bronx Hospital, a supervisor hit her with charges that included failure to perform her duties, insubordination and using abusive language and threatening behavior.

The charges against Lopez "just weren't credible," said Clerical Division Grievance Rep Donna McDuffie, who went to bat for the Local 1549 member at the hearing.

One witness brought by management testified that Lopez had not engaged in any yelling or threatening behavior, and McDuffie pointed out that management never gave Lopez any warning or counseling regarding the charges.

The decision "took a load of stress off me," Lopez said. "I lost five pounds in three days from having such outrageous charges leveled against my person.

It's such a relief, because this could have affected my whole future." After the experience, Lopez suggested a transfer and now works at the Tremont Health Center, an NCB satellite.

"Enilda Lopez is one of the top producers in that position. She should have received a commendation instead of going through this horrible ordeal," said McDuffie.

Lopez shared her story in hopes that other union members would learn from it. "I want to save others from what I went through," she said. "Don't be afraid to contact the union and fight for your rights."

Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez expressed dismay at the supervisory harassment. "Thankfully, the MetroPlus employees are now members of a union that can fight for them. Management can't get away with violating their rights," he said.