As their efforts to get a strong new contract with AHS management persist, AHS workers at Fairmont and John George Psychiatric Hospital rallied last Wednesday to protest the understaffing epidemic that has led to a serious safety crisis there.

Among the speakers was John George Psychiatric Hospital RN Handsel Meese, who spoke about being assaulted just a month ago when a patient got his hands around her throat. ”I could easily have been killed,” Meese said.

Other speakers included Radarsha Fungula, EVS Morning Shift Lead Housekeeper, poet Drew Sage, CNA Blessing Augustus, call center triage nurse and chief steward Allison Austin, and Mental Health Specialist 2 and Chief Steward Tawanda Gilbert, with OT Ben Fisher serving as the MC.

Click here to watch the full live stream of the event on Facebook, and check out KTVU’s coverage before and after the event.  

Don’t miss the great helicopter footage!

The solidarity on display was remarkable, with chants ringing across the campuses, letting AHS management know that the membership is completely united in their demand for safety.

As Tawanda Gilbert said, “When one gets hurt, we all get hurt. We are fighting for safety and staffing!”