By The Star Staff
Pavia Hospital in Hato Rey will lay off nearly 70 employees starting Jan. 31, 2025, a spokesperson for the union representing the workers said Monday.
The move has caused outrage among the workers. Desiré López, international representative of the United Auto Workers (UAW), said the decision is part of the transformation of the hospital into a center exclusively dedicated to behavioral health, which will begin operations on Feb. 1.
“We are facing a situation that has caused unrest and anxiety among employees, especially during this holiday season when layoff letters will be delivered to this staff,” López said. “According to documents offered by the hospital, only departments such as pharmacy and diet will remain. Next week, we will be meeting with the hospital administration to discuss the details of this decision and what it will offer as compensation.”
The union leader noted that the island Department of Health has already authorized the closure of numerous areas of the hospital, including the emergency room, leaving more than 100 employees in a state of job uncertainty.
The staff includes graduate and practical nurses, operating room technicians, laboratory personnel, maintenance, and other key departments such as radiology, respiratory therapy, operating room, and intensive care.
“We strongly condemn that this decision was announced in the middle of the Christmas season,” López said. “This is a blow to the workers, their families, and the patients who receive services at the hospital. This act is a betrayal of those who have dedicated years of service to the hospital and the community of Hato Rey.”
López insisted that the closure of the hospital will harm workers and the community that depends on its medical services. The absence of an emergency room and other vital services represents a significant loss for residents of the area, who will now have to look for alternatives in nearby hospitals that could face greater saturation, she said.
The UAW called on the Department of Health and hospital management to be transparent in the process and to seek alternatives that would minimize the impact of the decision. They also urged government authorities to intervene to ensure that workers’ rights are respected and are given viable options to continue their careers in the health sector.
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