Buffalo Marchers Meet with Governor on Hospital Closings

A wintry 320-mile march from Buffalo to Albany brought CWA Nurses United/Local 1168 members not only widespread media attention and public support but meetings with Gov. Eliot Spitzer and top legislators and staff on the impact of proposed hospital closings across New York.

District 1 Vice President Chris Shelton, who along with CWA President Larry Cohen joined the last leg of the march to the Statehouse in Albany Jan. 26, reported a positive meeting with the governor and his key health care staff.

For the first time, Shelton said CWA leaders heard the word "flexibility" from the governor and talk from lawmakers of possibly modifying the Berger Commission report that late last year mandated closing or reorganizing nine state-funded hospitals, including three in Buffalo. About 4,000 CWA jobs could be affected.

"It's difficult to tell whether we can reverse the many terrible recommendations this commission has made. However, we have opened a serious negotiation over the future of health care in Western New York directly with Gov. Spitzer," Shelton said.

Local President John Klein said: "It was more than just a handshake meeting — we were able to make all of our points and have a serious discussion about the health care system in New York, which everyone agrees is in a financial mess." No promises were made, but the governor committed to keeping "an open door" and continuing a dialogue with CWA, he said.

Meanwhile, the local is continuing community awareness and lobbying activities. Last Tuesday evening, Local 1168 members participated in a Jobs with Justice Workers' Rights Board hearing in Buffalo on the proposed closings. Many citizens are alarmed that the closings would severely limit access to emergency health care services and present a special hardship to the elderly.

The nurses' public awareness trek was heavily covered by TV and print media throughout Western New York as the marchers — beginning with two members who left Buffalo Jan. 2 and swelling to 200 at the end — braved wind chill temperatures well below zero at times.

Shelton thanked members from CWA locals throughout the region for joining the walk and providing support and hospitality along the way. "Most of all, I salute Local 1168's members and leadership for their amazing dedication" to protecting their patients as well as defending jobs, he said.