ST. LOUIS — Nurses and hospital workers at Saint Louis University Hospital are joining front line workers across the country to demand better pay and protections as they risk their lives to battle the coronavirus pandemic.
Workers and nurses have said that they want hazard pay, adequate PPE, paid sick time and testing for hospital staff.
These changes are needed because working conditions are dangerous and poor, workers said.
Workers said the calls for help aren’t being heard by management. Most importantly, front line workers said they fear for their lives and their families' safety daily.
SSM Health issued the following statement in response:
"At SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, the safety of patients, visitors, employees and physicians is our top priority. SLU Hospital follows all CDC guidelines and protocols regarding the appropriate usage of personal protective equipment. Our caregivers consistently have what they need to safely deliver care.
We are successfully balancing the appropriate use of PPE and conservation of supplies. This has been a challenge for every hospital in the country, but it’s a challenge we have met successfully. No SLU Hospital nurse has had to work without protection recommended by the CDC.
We continue to have open dialogue with both of our unions – the NNOC and the SEIU – and we follow our negotiated contracts in regard to payment and incentives."
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