BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — Some local health care jobs may be in jeopardy. The union representing workers at Kaleida Health say more than 100 jobs may be on the chopping block.
The positions would be changed to lower-paying jobs.
CWA Local 1168 says there are more than 109-technical clerical clinical jobs that will be cut. That would include 96 of Kaleida's Certified Medical Assistants - known as CMA's who work at Buffalo General Medical Center (BGMC).
But the message is loud and clear on the union's Facebook page - stating "CWA 1168 - saying hands off our CMA's!"
The union has publicly reported on it's Facebook page that about 100 jobs would be eliminated by march 1st because Kaleida is trying to save money.
The union says Kaleida told the workers those positions would be turned into Personal Care Aides or PCA's and the laid off workers could reapply for those jobs.
But that would mean less pay. The CMA's say their jobs require two years of education and national accreditation. They also earn more. The PCA positions require only a high school diploma.
Employees also write this could put patients in the acute care setting at risk.
On the union's Facebook page stories from CMA's are being posted indicating it will be a hardship for them to lose their positions.
Kaledia has not responded to our repeated requests for comment.
7 Eyewitness News has also received some calls and emails from employees, but say they can not go on-camera.
We've reached out to the union, but, so far have they've declined our interview request. One union leader texted they are working to get "approval from legal to talk."
