Support for Hananiah and Sophia Mays

Hananiah and Sophia Mays are the last people I’d want to see in the position of needing immediate and dire financial assistance, but here we are. Hananiah was put on unpaid leave after his management decided one day to enforce an OHSU policy they have not been able to provide - accepting gifts from clients at their own discretion. This practice was ongoing for over a decade at March Wellness before Han’s own management stole mail with his name marked, opened it, and manipulated a client into saying she left a cash gift by saying they already knew she had (but didn’t say how). Full story on Willamette Week here.

I know Han and the amazing person he is, so I jumped in as his union representative. I said I could not find any related policy. I have the right to ask clarifying questions. I was told the policy exists, but HR was not able to supply it. HR did say, mind you weeks ago, they would supply the policy, but this has yet to happen.

Han was told he’d be put on unpaid leave pending a pre-dismissal. The pre-dismissal happened and HR, which apparently is the only over-staffed portion of OHSU and has run out of work to do, decided to ask every single employee about tips received. That’s 34 disciplinary hearings. My understanding is the questions are designed to protect management and a somewhat relevant policy.

There was a brief moment of relief when after his pre-dismissal Han was told he’d be moved to paid leave until a decision was made.

Unfortunately, the employer has not come through on this promise. Han’s timecard since his meeting appears blank. He is set to continue to go unpaid. Worse yet, if they do come through with the paid leave, OHSU remains radio silent to pay Han’s full wage as a trainer. Instead, they’d pay him an “administrative rate” only 60% of what he earns.

Han and Sophia have groceries to buy, bills to pay, rent, and both are facing necessary medical procedures this month. Worst of all, if Han’s lost hours are not reinstated, he is subject to benefits. OHSU requires working an average 30-hour work week for insurance benefits. March Wellness loves keeping their trainers right around or at that 30. The lost and unpaid time will lose Han and dependents’ their health insurance.

With so much uncertainty, they need our help.

“This whole ordeal has ripped the rug out from the financial stability our family depends on. However much paid leave it ends up being, the massive pay cut to paid leave and of course the very real threat of termination has both of us worried how we’ll make it from one week to the next. Hananiah cares so deeply about his community and the outpouring of encouraging messages and support have meant so much to us.” - Sophia Mays

I first met Han like many people, as a member of March Wellness. His positive attitude is why I asked him personally to be my trainer. His judgment-free, can-do attitude. My first session, I found out how much of a geek he truly is. He couldn’t wait until the end of the session so he could show me a video of an anime birthday cake, the character Bojji, beautifully frosted by Sophia. I loved her before I met her. The reality is they both mean a lot to me. They mean a lot to all of us.

*This is independent of any union steward work and entirely my own support for Han and Sophia. I can also confidently add, and with their request, this does not reflect the opinion of my employer, OHSU.*

-Benny Hendricks