Forum decries firings by Vrable

BOARDMAN — The decision by Vrable Healthcare of Columbus to fire at least 36 workers at Beeghly Oaks is “contrary to the spirit and intent” of the agreement Forum Health reached with Vrable, a statement Sunday from Forum Health says.

Forum Health finalized its sale of Beeghly Oaks to Vrable on Friday, the statement says.

“Under the terms of Forum’s sales agreement with Vrable, Vrable contractually committed to hire ‘substantially all’ of the employees who worked at Beeghly Oaks,” the statement continues.

“We have since been informed that Vrable has failed to provide jobs to at least 36 of Beeghly Oaks’ approximately 125 employees,” it says.

Some workers at the long-term care facility were informed Saturday that they had lost their jobs. Forum Health sold the 140-bed facility as the first transaction to receive board approval after Forum placed all of its assets on the market earlier this year.

Allan K. Vrable, a Youngstown area native, is owner, president and chief executive officer of Vrable Healthcare Companies.

Sherrie Kocher, a 19-year employee who was working as a nurse practitioner, told The Vindicator she was told by a Vrable representative that she and others had been fired as of 11 p.m. Friday by Forum Health.

Attempts to reach Vrable corporate offices were unsuccessful.

The news affected licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, housekeeping and kitchen employees. They are members of the Service Employee International Union Local 1199.

Forum Health’s statement Sunday said it was “confident in Vrable’s ability to provide quality care to Beeghly Oaks’ residents and their families” but regrets Vrable’s decision regarding the fired employees.

The statement notes that Forum Health will provide job placement and career counseling for those affected, as well as help the fired employees identify current openings in the Forum Health system.