HOUSTON – Kallie Pena thought she had a job opportunity of a lifetime when the Texas Children’s employee picked up her life, moving from the Houston location to the North Austin Urgent Care. Tuesday morning, she was called into a meeting where she learned she was laid off.
Attorney Jacob Scholl does not represent Pena, but put her in touch with KPRC 2 to share her story.
“I was in shock. I actually cried. I was very hurt,” said Pena.
The hospital would not directly answer KPRC 2′s questions about the layoffs. A spokesperson would only refer us to an article from the Houston Chronicle where the hospital stated cutting five percent of its workforce eliminates roughly 1,000 jobs out of about 20,000 employees. Lower patient volumes and financial challenges were contributing factors to the cuts.
On Tuesday, the North Austin Urgent Care posted online that its location is now closed. Pena said she was aware of the financial struggles the hospital was facing.
“I was aware whenever we first opened, and we got told that the numbers aren’t really matching. The best way I like to put it in easier words is no money coming in, no money coming out. They did some hour cuts and I went part time, which is not in my contract as well,” said Pena.
Gregg Rosenberg is an employee attorney who is not affiliated with the layoffs. He said mass layoffs are difficult for employees to challenge legally.
“Somebody challenging a layoff would have to prove that the layoff, as it applies to them, was motivated by some protected characteristics such as age, gender, national origin. And typically they check all those boxes before they choose the individuals for layoff,” said Rosenberg.
Pena said she was offered a severance package. She said the hospital is going to give her a recommendation letter to help her get a job. She adds, the hospital will pay her until October 5th.
Texas Children’s says the layoffs should not impact patients. The hospital said it does not have any additional statements to provide. KPRC 2 will continue working to get answers.