Mercy-Joplin employees among those to be furloughed

It appears employees at Mercy-Joplin will be among thousands to be furloughed by the Mercy System beginning on Monday due to economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

How many workers will lose their jobs?

A statement obtained by NewsTalk KZRG from Mercy Joplin says the system is “unable to provide” the number of positions being eliminated locally or regionally. Health insurance and will be continued during the furlough period. The system will continue laying people off through the end of July.

The statement reads as follows:

“Like other health care systems across the country, Mercy is taking difficult steps to address the heavy economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis. Starting next week and through the end of July as needed, we will begin furloughing co-workers across Mercy’s four-state service area.

“Health insurance will be continued throughout the furlough period, and an additional 80 hours of pay may be provided through Mercy’s crisis PTO fund. Mercy is also eliminating positions at every level of the organization, impacting every department and every community we serve. In doing so, we will provide severance packages to help care for our co-workers and their families. At this time, Mercy is unable to provide numbers as we are still working to keep as many co-workers employed as possible.

“In addition to these measures, all leaders will earn up to 26% less this year than last, with the most significant reductions at the senior level. For all co-workers, 401k/403b service contributions and matches will not be made for 2020 and annual merit increases may be delayed, as well. No one will be hired into open positions for the foreseeable future without approval of Mercy’s senior leadership.

“Our hearts go out to those impacted by these changes and the unprecedented impact of this global pandemic.”