In response to the recent news coverage about Ozanam Hall and Local 342, we wanted to share our frustration about what is happening at the home to the residents and staff.
The administration is implementing polices that are causing us to work short-handed and not take care of the residents in true Ozanam fashion. Ozanam Hall was always known for its high level of resident care and going the extra mile to give residents personal attention.
Because there is not enough staff, we are no longer able to give residents that personal touch or even meet the job requirements necessary to take care of residents. We cannot feed residents on time, which causes them to be hungry. We cannot help them to the toilet fast enough, which leads to unnecessary accidents, We cannot empty their trash cans, which leaves their rooms dirty. We cannot turn them the proper number of times to prevent bed sores.
It breaks our hearts to know it does not have to be this way, and because the home wants to cut more hours, it will not only cause us to lose thousands of dollars each year out of our paychecks but hurt the residents further. What we are left wondering is doesn’t the home believe in the virtues of love, honesty and respect, just as the Catholic Church preaches?
How could it allow this to happen to the residents? If it has lost its way, we hope it finds it before it is too late.
Kate Meckler
UFCW Local 342
On behalf of the staff of Ozanam Hall
Bayside
