LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — As COVID-19 cases climb, Las Vegas-area hospital workers held another walkout.
Workers at MountainView Hospital say the hospital is threatening to increase their healthcare costs, take away benefits and are refusing to provide hazard pay.
The Service Employees International Union organized the walkout for HCA hospital workers.
Last week, they demonstrated outside Sunrise Hospital.
RELATED: Las Vegas-area healthcare workers protest in front of Sunrise Hospital
Kevin Carey, SEIU Local 1107 president, said this on Thursday:
"These are people who are every day putting their lives on the line trying to protect our community fighting this pandemic and they need to be paid accordingly."
In response to the walkout, MountainView Hospital shared the following statement with 13 Action News:
It is unfortunate that during a global pandemic, this union is once again making false allegations and trying to use COVID-19 as a bargaining chip. We are disappointed that the SEIU Local 1107, which represents maintenance and technical employees, would potentially violate the collective bargaining agreement and National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) with an event that is described as a “walk out.”
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been proud to stand with and protect our front-line colleagues as we care for members of our community. As we continue bargaining sessions with SEIU Local 1107, our resolve remains the same. Our goal is to secure a fair agreement with the union that continues to support a culture of colleague safety and continues our high expectations of excellent, compassionate care.
An SEIU Local 1107 spokesperson points out the organization also represents nurses, medical technicians, and therapists.
The first Wednesday walkout began at Sun Rise Hospital at 6:30 a.m. with another at 3:30 p.m.
