The UVMMC administration is continuing to pursue layoffs as a strategy to cut costs. Meanwhile, they seem to have no plan in place to maintain patient care in the affected departments. We’ve been hearing reports that outpatient clinics are posting urgent pay every day due to short staffing from the cuts, which means they are paying double time for this work on top of placing potentially laid off employees on paid administrative leave until the end of July. It’s unsustainable, unsafe, and backwards to create short staffing while paying more for care to be delivered. 

VNFHP & SSU are holding a march for safe staffing, accessible health insurance, and no cuts on Sunday, July 12 at 1 pm, starting at the UVM University Green, across the street from 1 South Prospect/UHC. 

If you can join, RSVP here !

“CPSA Gracie Walston approached our union, having discovered a contract violation after going part time in March and not being granted enough tuition reimbursement to cover her spring courses. She was being undercompensated by over $400! Together with her Chief Steward, Ingrid Rice, a grievance was filed and labor relations conceded quickly, knowing they were in the wrong. The hospital had calculated her tuition reimbursement based on current employment status rather than prorating reimbursement based on Gracie’s last 12 months of employment, a direct violation of the language used in our contract!”

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital plans to close birthing center, citing financial losses
WCAX, By Adam Sullivan

Vermont CARES Will Take Over Needle-Exchange Program in Burlington
Seven Days, by Aaron Calvin 

Filling the gaps in rural maternity care
Vermont Public, by Mikaela Lefrak, Daniela Fierro

Evangelist Claims He Now Owns Green Mountain College Campus
Seven Days, by Brian Nearing

Sterling College is the latest campus in Vermont to be put up for sale
Vermont Public, by Howard Weiss-Tisman

George won’t charge protesters for disrupting ICE office in Williston
Times Argus, By Mike Donoghue