Covering Mazzoni is a prime example of the challenges of journalism. When there are many people, each with so much conviction, they often refuse to communicate fully, or choose selectively with whom to communicate. It makes it difficult for a journalist to give a full picture. We’ve attempted to give all sides of this story and, from what we can see, there are four: The management, the disgruntled employees, the employees who are tired of the drama and tactics used by the disgruntled employees, and the most important side: the patients. The patients are what Mazzoni is all about. It’s about serving the community and its clients who rely on those services.
Mazzoni is a treasured part of our community. It’s an institution we need to take pride in; after all, LGBT people built this community. It is a community where the patients need to be treated with respect.
All work areas have conflict, and Mazzoni is no exception. It also has growing pains, and is recovering from a long-term management team that was stifling in its ways. The new team needs time to change those systems that brought down that leadership.
During this time of change, the best and most professional thing any staffer can do is communicate, not grandstand. The process of communication between management and staffers is the place to air grievances and try to resolve them. Then, as in all workplaces, if you feel you are not respected or heard, rather than create a hostile workplace for others, there’s an option: It’s called the door — simply resign your position. As for the leadership, they need to act quickly to bring about change and not be afraid to replace people who are disruptive to the work environment at Mazzoni.
The staffers have voted to unionize, which is good for both sides, as it brings employees and management to the table to negotiate a work agreement. That is where all communications should be taking place. The majority voted for this system. Now it is time to honor that and communicate.