‘Be fair to those who give care'

SKANEATELES - A Syracuse health-care management company is not being fair in the way it funds an area nursing home, according to a local health-care workers union.

The union took its concerns to the public Friday when about 25 members of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East gathered in front of The Athenaeum of Skaneateles, an exclusive adult home. The nurses, aides and other caregivers raised signs and passed out pamphlets pointing out what they are calling unfair treatment of employees at Lakeside Nursing Home in Ithaca.

According to union representative Baschki Leo, the company that runs both facilities refuses to consider pay raises and benefit improvements for Lakeside employees. At the same time, Leo said, the executives are willing to spend millions on the luxurious Athenaeum.