Union leaders and workers are criticizing the decision by Living Legends and the McGuire management group for its short notice on a plan to close a Chautauqua County nursing home.

Late Tuesday, 1199 SEIU was notified by the state Department of Health that Absolut Care of Westfield submitted a plan of closure to the state in June. The employer failed to provide advanced notice to the union regarding its plan to close the 120-bed facility located in rural.

“We were taken into the activity room and management told us they were closing our facility because they can’t come to agreement with the landlord on their new lease,” said Becky Shioleno, Licensed Practical Nurse and 13-year employee. “I felt devastated because I have spent my entire adult life at the same facility. I’m not just thinking about myself, I’m also thinking about the residents who now must be uprooted from their homes. It’s so sad, because it’s preventable.”

Early Monday, 1199SEIU submitted a demand to bargain over the impact of the closure to workers and has since held meetings with workers to discuss plans going forward. Effects bargaining over the now planned closure will help to ensure healthcare workers have a transition to employment elsewhere and a quality severance package.

“The Department of Health approved a plan of closure submitted by the owner months ago without any discussions with anyone about the impact of closing the nursing home,” said 1199 Executive Vice President Todd Hobler. “Workers, residents and their families and community member deserved to have their voices heard before a decision like this was made,” said Todd Hobler, 1199SEIU Executive Vice-President for Upstate/WNY Division.

Union members at Absolut of Westfield work as Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants, Housekeepers, Laundry Workers, Cooks and Dietary Workers.

“Westfield has been a staple in our community for over 30 years,” said Karly Beaujean, Licensed Practical Nurse. “We have cared for many members of the community while also uplifting the community with events. We play an active role in supporting and healing community members from all across the county and our facility is worth fighting for. Because of the vital role it plays in the community, we should take a second look to come to an agreement in hopes of keeping our doors open for our residents, their families, and our staff members.”

In confirming the closing on Monday, a spokeswoman for Living Legends and McGuire said On Tuesday morning, the McGuire Group that is based in Buffalo, said Absolut officials, over the past several months, have been actively negotiating with the landlord in hopes of renewing its lease on the property at 26 Cass St. “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, irreconcilable differences prevented us from reaching an agreement. Because of this uncertainty, we delayed making any announcements until negotiations were complete, as we strive to communicate transparently with our employees and residents,” officials said.

Since 2023, at least two other nursing homes in Chautauqua County have closed. They include the WCA Home in Fredonia and the Lutheran Social Services location in Jamestown.

“This was not an easy decision, and we recognize the impact it has on our residents, families, employees, and the broader community,” the spokeswoman said. “We worked tirelessly to prevent this closure and remain committed to supporting everyone affected with compassion, respect, and integrity.”