Tensions ratchet up at Cedar Haven job fair

Tensions were at a high point Wednesday at Cedar Haven Healthcare Center as striking nurses displayed a large inflatable rat outside the home's Fifth Avenue entrance during a job fair.

The facility is hiring licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants and other staff such as housekeepers and custodians, according to a Cedar Haven Facebook post.

The job fair, held from noon to 3 p.m., was only for vacant positions, Cedar Haven Administrator Steven Zablocki said. "We're fine," in terms of staffing levels, he said.

When nurses went on strike on Oct. 20, Cedar Haven owner Stone Barn Holdings turned to U.S. Nursing Corporation to provide temporary staff for the duration of the strike.

Background: Cedar Haven nurses strike, but struggle with leaving residents

More: 'One day longer': Union pledges to outlast Cedar Haven owner in four-week-old strike

The inflatable rat, named Scabby, is meant to symbolize nurses working during the strike, derogatorily called "scabs" by union officials.

“The purpose of Scabby is to educate the public on why it’s not a good idea to hire scabs," said Steve Mullen, council director for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). “It’s bad for the residents. Why would you want somebody in there who is in there for money only?”

Several residents, family members, and one nurse who crossed the picket line have described to the Lebanon Daily News what they believe are substandard conditions inside the home.

More: 'It's a zoo right now:' Loved ones question temporary nursing at Cedar Haven

More: "It sucks in there": Residents speak about conditions at Cedar Haven as strike continues

But the appearance of Scabby - and "harsh, hateful statements" directed by union nurses to temporary nurses - bothered Colleen Sloss, a Clarence, Pa. resident who frequently visits a relative living at Cedar Haven.

If the striking nurses really love the residents, they shouldn't attack the people who are caring for the residents while they are on strike, Sloss said.

"The (temporary nurses) are going in to do a job that needs done," she said.

The quality of care for her relative has been the same or even better since the temporary nurses replaced the union nurses, she said. Meanwhile, the residents are stuck in the middle during a strike that shows no signs of ending.

"I'm really frustrated," she said.

The strike has been going on more than a month, since members of AFSCME Local 2732 objected to a contract that they say raises insurance costs, reduces paid time off and was implemented without their approval.

Local union president Penny Kleinfelter said "a few" nurses have crossed the picket line but overall the union is remaining strong in its efforts to fight the new contract. The union has not received any indication of willingness to negotiate from Cedar Haven ownership, Mullen said.

Zablocki declined to comment on behalf of Cedar Haven on the state of negotiations or anticipated length of the labor dispute.