SEIU Launches Multi-State Grassroots Campaign Calling on the Carlyle Group to Put Care Above Profits

http://sev.prnewswire.com/health-care-hospitals/20071003/DCW04003102007-1.html

SEIU Launches Multi-State Grassroots Campaign Calling on the Carlyle Group to Put Care Above Profits in Buyout of Nation's Largest Nursing Home Chain

Nursing Home Workers in PA, MI, IL, FL, OH, MD, WI, WA Join Forces in Largest Campaign Ever Focused on the Public Impact of a Private Equity Buyout

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to improve care at nursing homes, the nation's largest healthcare workers union today is launching a multi-state grassroots campaign calling on global buyout giant the Carlyle Group to put care above CEO profits in the $6.3 billion takeover of nursing home chain HCR Manor Care. There is growing concern that the buyout may come at a high cost to seniors, taxpayers, and workers.

In states where Manor Care has large operations, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Maryland, Wisconsin, and Washington state, SEIU is:

-- Mobilizing a grassroots coalition of members, manor care workers, residents, family members of residents and advocacy groups -- Running radio ads and sending direct mail raising concerns about the buyout and urging the public to contact Carlyle CEO David Rubenstein -- Reaching out to state lawmakers and regulators -- Calling on Carlyle to make specific commitments to improve care at Manor Care nursing homes -- Launching a new version of the website http://www.CarlyleFixManorCareNow.org to educate the public about the takeover and its impact on seniors, taxpayers, and workers

The multi-state campaign is the largest ever focused on the impact of a private equity buyout on people's lives.

"Nursing homes buyouts are great for CEO profits but they are a raw deal for seniors," said Gerry Hudson, Executive Vice President of SEIU (Service Employees International Union). "This takeover looks no different. The executives at Carlyle and Manor Care appear to have set up this deal to enrich themselves at the expense of seniors, taxpayers, and workers. The Carlyle Group has a responsibility to improve care and ensure safe staffing."

A September 23 investigation by the New York Times detailed how cuts to staffing and operations at nursing homes bought by private equity buyout firms such as the Carlyle Group have enriched top executives and buyout firms but left residents worse off.

Go to http://www.behindthebuyouts.org/media-center to read more.
Website: http://www.seiu.org/
Website: http://www.CarlyleFixManorCareNow.org/
Website: http://www.behindthebuyouts.org/media-center/