Connecticut nursing home Courtland Gardens has lost almost $4 million in each of the last two years, and is close to having to close its doors. A buyer from Michigan is poised to take on the ailing facility, but may be forced to walk away from the deal because the union, SEIU Local 1199, is not willing to accept the needed concessions.
Paul Fortier, vice president of the SEIU local, said even with the heightened stakes of the home potentially closing, the union would not negotiate concessions based on a motive of fear.
The owner of the home had asked the Department of Social Services to be allowed to close the home, but the DSS insisted that a buyer be sought instead. Although Ciena Healthcare Management has stepped to the table willing to buy, the company refuses to move forward with the purchase with a union contract guaranteed to cause continued financial difficulties. It appears the union would just as soon kick the Courtland Gardens employees out of their jobs than face reality.
