BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Kaleida Health has reached an agreement with two unions-- 1199SEIU and CWA1168-- to roll out a voluntary furlough program. The two unions involved represent more than 8,000 Kaleida Health employees.
The furlough program is being instituted to help Kaleida Health "navigate the financial challenges" it is facing, according to Kaleida Health president and CEO Jody Lomeo.
Employees who volunteer for the furlough will go on a 30-day unpaid leave, beginning on Sunday, April 26.
The furlough is targeting areas of the company's operations not being used as much-- or at all-- due to the coronavirus pandemic. Examples included by Kaleida Health are the elimination of elective surgeries and clinic reductions. Staff in COVID-19 areas and long-term care services will not be asked to go on voluntary furlough.
The company says volunteers for the furlough will remain Kaleida Health employees and will not be terminated from their employment.
Kaleida Health operates seven hospitals in Western New York and Bradford, Pennsylvania.
