FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. Virgin Islands (July 21, 2026) – Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center (JFL) and Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC) met today with labor union representatives to discuss the Human Resources Optimization Plan, focusing on workforce reduction and its potential impact on union-represented employees.
Representatives from the following unions participated in today’s meeting:
- Virgin Islands State Nurses Association (VISNA)
- Virgin Islands Licensed Practical Nurses Association (VILPNA)
- United Steelworkers (USW) – Supervisors
- United Steelworkers (USW)
- International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) – Security Guards
- Association of Hospital Employed Physicians (AHEP)
- Registered Nurses Leadership Union
- Seafarers International Union (SIU) – Masters
During the meeting, executive leadership from JFL and SRMC outlined the background and rationale for the Human Resources Optimization Plan. They emphasized that the plan aims to strengthen long-term operational and financial sustainability while maintaining quality healthcare services for the Virgin Islands community.
Leadership noted that personnel costs make up a significant portion of both hospitals’ budgets. The plan seeks to responsibly reduce these costs while safeguarding patient care and minimizing employee impact. Strategies include resource sharing, position consolidation through job sharing, retirements, and reviewing vacant positions. Workforce reductions will be considered only after these measures. The goal is to achieve up to a 10% reduction in personnel expenses at each hospital, though the final figure may be lower.
The workforce optimization strategy follows a phased approach to achieving personnel savings:
Phase 1 – Optimization Strategies (Currently In Progress)
- Position consolidation and job sharing
- Evaluation of budgeted vacant positions
- Resource sharing between JFL and SRMC
Phase 2 – Workforce Reduction
Personnel reductions will be evaluated in the following order:
- Exempt employees
- Temporary, per diem, and part-time employees
- Retirements
- Permanent non-union employees
- Permanent union employees
Leadership also stated that decisions will be guided by operational needs and employee productivity. The hospitals will continue a hiring freeze, with limited exceptions for critical nursing roles and allied health professionals supporting imaging services.
After today’s meeting, executive leadership will meet individually with each union to discuss any specific impacts on their members, in line with collective bargaining agreements, organizational policies, and legal requirements.
“Our goal is simple. Reduce costs while protecting as many jobs as possible,” said Darlene Baptiste, Chief Executive Officer. “We’re looking at every available option before executing permanent workforce reductions. That means the number of employees ultimately affected could be much lower than the maximum budget reduction target. We appreciate the opportunity to meet with our union partners and remain committed to maintaining open communication, treating every employee with dignity and respect, and providing support throughout this process.”
JFL and SRMC thank all union representatives for their participation and value the ongoing partnership and dialogue. Both organizations remain committed to implementing the Human Resources Optimization Plan fairly, respectfully, and transparently, while continuing to provide safe, high-quality care to U.S. Virgin Islands residents
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