Rep. Kelly Fights for Ellwood City Hospital Employees

Working with Labor Dept. to help resolve compensation issues

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-16) today sent an official letter to the U.S. Department of Labor to help ensure a speedy resolution to recent paycheck problems for employees at Ellwood City Hospital in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.

Text of Rep. Kelly’s letter:

Dear Deputy Administrator Davidson,

I would like to follow up on conversations between our staffs regarding the Department of Labor’s (DOL) investigation of chronic paycheck delays at Ellwood City Hospital.  I hope the DOL will act swiftly to ensure these employees are fairly compensated for their work.

Ellwood City Hospital is located in Lawrence County and has been serving the local community since 1913.  The hospital was acquired in 2017 by Americore Health, LLC, which is based in southern Florida.  Since then, the hospital has delayed or issued bounced paychecks on at least six occasions, even after laying off 25 percent of its staff in September 2018. 

In addition, my office has received numerous complaints from hospital employees that their health insurance coverage has lapsed because of non-payment.  I request that the DOL’s Employee Benefits Security Administration also act to guarantee that their health insurance coverage is in good standing.

This situation is making it difficult for hospital employees, vendors, and contractors to pay their own bills.  My hardworking constituents deserve financial certainty, so I urge you to ensure that they receive their paychecks and benefits in a timely manner.

Thank you for your consideration. 

Sincerely,

Mike Kelly

Member of Congress

The full letter can be viewed here.

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