Massachusetts Nurses Association and 1199SEIU unite
with Jobs with Justice to present Grinch prize to grumpy CEO

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center CEO Paul Levy has been crowned "Grinch of the Year" by online voters who participated in an contest promoted by Massachusetts Jobs with Justice, a local coalition of labor, religious, and community groups that advocates for improving job standards for working families. Thousands of votes were cast in the poll which was hosted on the Massachusetts Jobs with Justice website.

On Monday, December 10, non-union hospital workers joined members of 1199SEIU, the Massachusetts Nurses Association, and Jobs with Justice activists to deliver the coveted "Grinch" award to Levy's office, high above the bustling streets and buildings of the Longwood medical area.

Around 4:15 p.m., hospital officials refused the caregivers access to present Levy his award. The advocates were then told Levy would not come down to the lobby to be recognized for his accomplishment. The CEO's prize included a hardcover copy of the beloved children's classic by Dr. Seuss, in which the Grinch plots against residents of Whoville from his mountaintop lair before a young child from the town below helps him grow a heart and change his ways. Levy's unclaimed copy of the book will be donated to the Boston Public Library children's department.

Following two years of anti-worker ranting and unhinged public commentary opposing the right of caregivers to vote in free and fair union elections, Levy edged out his competition for the top "Grinch" prize, which included nominees like former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Boston socialite/Verizon bigwig Sandra Moose.

The hospital boss has come under fire from caregivers, advocates and even some of his fellow bloggers for refusing to make a legally binding commitment that his executives won't threaten or coerce workers during secret ballot union elections at Beth Israel Deaconess.