East Bay Grief Counselors Strike Over Layoffs and Service Cuts at Hospice East Bay
Grief counselors and other staff at Hospice East Bay in California's East Bay are on a seven-day strike to protest layoffs and cuts to their health benefits. This action follows the nonprofit's management being taken over by Florida-based Chapters Health Systems last year. Staff report that instead of expanding services as promised, music therapy and a children's grief program have been discontinued, and this is the second round of layoffs, totaling 30 positions. The union is also demanding a fair contract. Judy Johnson, a 77-year-old whose sister is in hospice care, expressed concern that a crucial emotional support group she attends will be disbanded due to these layoffs. Remaining social workers will see their patient caseloads increase from 30 to 40, and chaplains from 50 to 80. Two bereavement counselors will be left to assist 1,200 patients and family members, significantly reducing the quality and availability of care.
