At their final meeting of the year on December 10, Northampton County Council members voted 8-0 to approve a three-year contract with AFSCME Local 1435. That’s the union representing about 650 workers at Gracedale. It provides for a step and grade increase this year, followed by a 1 percent increase in 2016 and 2 percent increase in 2017.

But the deal also comes at a heavy cost for two occupational therapy assistants who only have a few months left before they have 20 years. Their jobs have been eliminated, and they must apply for employment with Advantage Care, the private rehabilitation company Gracedale uses to provide occupational therapy.

Heather Kincaid and Joan Webb, both 19-year veterans of the county, are occupational therapist assistants at Gracedale. They help patients develop, recover and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.

In July, NorCo Council inked a $2.9 million deal with Advantage Care to provide rehabilitation at Gracedale. Medicare and Medicaid fully fund this contract. Advantage Care provides 13 physical therapists and even agreed to pay the salary for three assistants employed by the county, including Kincaid and Webb.

But no more.

“I’m one of three people who found out two days ago that my life was basically torn out from under me,” Kincaid told a council preparing to celebrate Christmas. She is the sole breadwinner in her family, which includes a disabled husband who relies on her medical plan and is scheduled for a surgical procedure Dec. 14.

“We were told we’re OK. we’re OK, we’re safe,” she told council. Her life insurance and medical benefits will be gone as of the first of the year. “I’ll be honest with you, I’m terrified,” she said, beating back tears.

Kincaid and Webb were told to get a job at Advantage Care, which provides no family medical care or sick time or job security.

Kincaid and Webb have tried to contact Executive John Brown and Deputy Administrator Cathy Allen, to no avail. They told council they just want to finish out their 20 years as county employees. One has seven months to go, and the other has just four.

They also pointed out that residents can see as many as three different therapists in a given week, while they provide consistency and a familiar face. Gracedale has used four different rehabilitation companies during the time Kincaid and Webb have worked there.

“The only thing that remained consistent was us,” noted Kincaid. “We’re just very flabbergasted at how three individuals in the large scheme of things, who do not cost very much, but generate income, could just be discarded so heartlessly.”

“After working at Gracedale for 20 years, we built a rapport with so many residents,” added Webb, standing by Kincaid’s side. “Everyone that works there and the residents are just sick about this.”

“I’m not just asking ... I’m begging that you reconsider this and allow us to remain through the end of our time,” Kincaid said.

As Kincaid and Webb described their plight, about eight of their fellow union members sat on the other side of the room, including union President Hector Rivera. He later explained that the union fought for Kincaid and Webb, but the county insisted they be privatized. Noting that union members voted to support the contract by a 207-34 margin, Rivera stated he “cannot sabotage a contract for something they voted for.”

Union members made no pitch for Kincaid or Webb.

After the meeting, Cathy Allen stated she would arrange a meeting between these workers and John Brown. Bob Werner and Peg Ferraro said they’d like to attend.

In other business, council discussed a possible joint meeting with Lehigh County Commissioners to discuss changes in the articles of incorporation at the Airport Authority. Glenn Geissinger, council’s representative on the authority, was absent so council had no direction about what is being sought. Geissigner also missed the final budget hearing last week. His vote concerning the budget was done by phone.

Geissinger is running for the 17th Pa. Congressional District currently being served by Matt Cartright..

This was also the final meeting on council for Lamont McClure and Scott Parsons.

McClure spoke of serving with what he called legends like Wayne Grube and Peg Ferraro. He claimed that Grube taught him.that Gracedale is a “moral obligation”. He also spoke of Ron Angle. “We both worked very hard to get rid of each other,” he joked.

Parsons, who offered no parting words, left with the model workhorse awarded to him for his near perfect attendance record at council meetings and committees.