Union says 17 will lose jobs at St. Francis hospital

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The union that represents more than 600 workers at St. Francis Medical Center confirmed yesterday that 17 employees would be laid off today as part of a restructuring program.

Martin Coleman, business representative of the Hawai'i Teamsters and Allied Workers Local 996, said yesterday the layoffs involved housekeeping and patient service assistance positions. He said only workers at the Liliha hospital were affected, but more layoffs were possible.

St. Francis Healthcare System, a nonprofit organization, also operates the St. Francis Medical Center-West in 'Ewa. Hospital spokeswoman Teri Tanaka yesterday would not confirm the number of layoffs, saying it was "too early to say how many positions will be affected."

The union represents licensed practical nurses, housekeepers, maintenance workers, dietary workers, medical assistants and hospice and homecare staff. Local 996 is in the first year of a contract that ends June 30, 2007.

St. Francis had warned employees of possible layoffs, consolidated patient services and restructured programs to reduce costs.

Coleman said he believed today's layoffs were "just the beginning."

The hospital has said it is hit hard by rising costs and lower government reimbursements, because 80 percent of its patients are covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

Coleman said he understood the hospital's position. "They've been in financial difficulties for some time now," he said. "They just can't seem to get out of it."

Rod Ohira contributed to this report. Reach Curtis Lum at 525-8025 or culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.