United University Professions, with the backing of NYSUT, continues to rally behind SUNY Downstate Medical Center in its ongoing battle to keep the center’s University Hospital of Brooklyn open, accessible and public.
More than 100 supporters gathered recently at the hospital hoisting signs and chanting at a rally organized by the SUNY Downstate Coalition of Faith, Labor and Community Leaders, of which UUP is a member.
NYSUT Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta told the gathering, "We recognize that this institution is going in the wrong direction. We are standing up in Albany for you and we will stand together today with you. We know that you are right and we will see this through. Stand strong."
Jamie Dangler, UUP statewide vice president for academics, told the crowd: "Our fight in Brooklyn is part of a much broader statewide fight against the privatization and downsizing of SUNY. We have a plan that will continue to provide health care and medical education in this community and into the future."
Hospital employees are facing terrible uncertainty; 65 UUP members learned a few weeks ago that they will lose their jobs, and another 120 employees face termination Sept. 25.