About 25 VNA of Care New England physical and occupational therapists staged an informational picket last Wednesday evening outside Kent Hospital.

Led by Heather Kelley, elected organizer for 1199SEIU the group chanted, waved flags and cheered motorists who lent their support by honking their horns. The therapists are seeking increased wages and benefits. Their contract expired in February.

CNE called the picket “unfortunate and disappointing” while they remain in active negotiations.  

 “VNA of Care New England will continue to focus on an agreement that benefits staff, as well as our patient community,” reads the release. A CNE spokeswoman said Tuesday that talks are ongoing.

 Jannike Caldeira, a VNA physical therapist for 20 years, said she makes $6 less an hour than a Women and Infants physical therapist.   She noted physical and occupational therapists and assistants at the VNA of Care New England are responsible for providing home healthcare but their job has grown harder - not only do patients have a higher acuity, but they are also discharged more quickly from the hospital than before.

“We are fighting for fair treatment and compensation in line with our peers and for management to fairly compensate us for the long hours we drive across the state to deliver care,” she wrote in a statement.