NUHW and CNA stand united in Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital protest
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On Thursday, August 28, NUHW joined with CNA to protest drastic cuts to patient care at SVMH. The hospital administration has presented both unions with severe and unnecessary layoff proposals. SVMH workers showed their strength by lining East Romie Lane with picket signs. Workers and community members made their voices heard loud and clear while passersby honked horns to show their appreciation and support for SVMH employees.
At 4 p.m. we headed down to the SVMH Board room where management tried to pack the room to keep us out. We were not having it. SVMH healthcare workers demanded to be heard. And we were. With a capacity crowd in the board room and a standing-room-only in the cafeteria, workers testified before the board for more than ninety minutes. We demand to be allowed to take better care of our patients. We demanded that we be allowed to do our jobs without restraint or the strict rationing of care. Nurses demanded better staffing and Nursing Assistants demanded that SVMH end the practice of denying baths to patients. All demanded that the hospital’s layoff proposals be rescinded.
Patty Torres
“Our NUHW–CNA unity and power showed our administration and board that we will always stand up for patient care and our community,” said Nutrition Services worker Patty Torres.
To read the story in the Salinas Californian, click here.