Blythedale therapists picket for fair contract
The group of about 60 hit the picket line outside of the Valhalla hospital to call for a new contract.
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A group of workers at a Westchester children's hospital in Valhalla hit the picket line on Wednesday.
Respiratory therapists at Blythedale Children's Hospital made their demands clear
The therapists are members of 1199 SEIU.
The group of about 60 hit the picket line outside of the Valhalla hospital to call for a new contract.
"Specifically, I think we just want to be paid like everybody else gets paid. Pension. We're looking for pension," said respiratory therapist Christine Stack.
The workers said they've been working without one for a while now.
"It was promised it would be done by Dec. 31 and it's now February," Stack said.
The group said their picket was not a strike, and care was not disrupted.
It's consideration that respiratory therapist Sevdiana Dzaferovic said the group would like in return.
"We leave our own families every day to come back to Blythedale to take care of other children and other families. We expect the respect that we give to our patients to be given back to us," Dzaferovic said.
A spokesperson for the hospital said they can't comment on any details of an ongoing negotiation.
They said they are committed to open dialogue and supporting their staff as they care for their patients.
"Hopefully, they come to the table with something better for us," Dzaferovic said.
