Suffern healthcare workers rally for former Haitian colleagues who lost protected status
Good Samaritan Hospital employees and union members called for support for Haitian immigrants who lost Temporary Protected Status, urging federal action while expressing support for former coworkers affected by the change.
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Healthcare workers at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern rallied Thursday in support of Haitian immigrants who lost Temporary Protected Status (TPS) nearly two months ago, a change that resulted in some workers losing their jobs.
The workers gathered, not to advocate for contracts or pay, but to show support for their former Haitian colleagues affected by the end of TPS protections.
"We're still here. We're rooting for you. We got your back," said Davonne Kee, a hospital employee.
Kee said two former coworkers he worked with as a lab assistant were among those who lost their jobs.
News 12 learned a pharmacy employee was also affected.
"They're hard-working individuals. Sure, they're immigrants, but this country was built on immigrants," Kee said.
Those participating in the rally said they are not blaming hospital administration for the job losses. Instead, they directed their criticism toward the federal government.
It has been nearly two months since TPS ended for Haitian immigrants.
Good Samaritan Hospital is part of the WMCHealth system, which said in a statement, “As a safety net hospital, we care for some of the most vulnerable patients in New York State, and skilled and compassionate healthcare workers on temporary status have played a critical role in providing advanced care to patients in our community. We have been working with these employees while complying with federal law."
The 1199SEIU, one of the country's largest healthcare labor unions, is also pushing for action from local Rep. Mike Lawler.
As previously reported, Lawler's bill to extend Haitian TPS for three years passed the House but did not advance in the Senate.
"And we've been able to help hundreds of people through their immigration casework, especially within the Haitian community and we will continue to do that," Lawler said of the work he and his office is continuing to do following the failed legislation.
News 12 has reported on agencies that serve disabled people losing members of their workforce because of TPS revocation for Haitians.
