Dozens of workers from Northeast Valley Health Corporation took to the sidewalks in front of the community health clinic’s San Fernando headquarters on April 20 to deliver one simple message: “We want quality health care for our patients and our families.”
The workers are currently negotiating a new contract with Northeast Valley Health Corp.
Read coverage of the event in the San Fernando Valley Sun.
Workers and elected officials spoke about the importance of including employer-paid family health coverage in a new contract.
“Families. That’s what it’s all about,” said Mario Hernandez, the mayor of San Fernando.
Maribel Garcia, a licensed vocational nurse, shared a personal story about the importance of affordable health care for her family. “Two years ago my son’s appendix burst and I didn’t have health insurance for him. The bill was $32,000. Two years later, I’m still paying for his bill.”
SEIU members called on Northeast Valley Health Corp. to resume negotiations as soon as possible. “We’re asking Northeast Valley to do the right thing and come to the bargaining table with serious proposals,” explained Hector Martinez, a pharmacy assistant.
View more photos from the event on Flickr.