Over a thousand angry nurses gathered in front of the home of Republican candidate for California governor, Meg Whitman.
The nurses belonging to the California Nurses Association said Whitman’s proposals for the state are anti-worker. The nurses said Whitman plans to cut 40,000 state jobs, including health care positions.
About 30% of the group’s 85,000 members are Filipino.
They said these cuts will put patients at risk.
“Shame on her! That’s bad for the people, for the economy. That does not help at all,” said Milagros Mendoza.
The nurses also fear that Whitman will cut their pension.
“Mamamatay ako. Ang dami kong pinut-in na trabaho — 31 years. Mapapasawala lang? Sayang ang hirap ko,” said Lily de Jesus.
They also said Whitman plans to cut their meal and break times, as well as increase nurse to patient ratio.
“The bottom line is patient safety. We are the only ones who can advocate for our patients. Otherwise, what are we here for?” said Lisa Cabrera.
Members of the California Nurses Association have trailed the former eBay CEO at her campaign events with an actress dressed as “Queen Meg”.
They claimed Whitman has used her fortune to harass the nurses that have been critical of her campaign.
They added Whitman’s people have even visited their union office to create chaos.
“What I think she is doing is to discredit the nurses. As direct nurses, we take care of our patients, day in and day out, 24/7. We are here to advocate for our patients,” said Zeny Cortez, president of the California Nurses Association.
The group supports Whitman’s Democratic opponent, Attorney General Jerry Brown.
In response to the nurses’ protest, Whitman said California is deep in debt and she needs to cut the fat in the healthcare system even if it means cutting jobs.
But Whitman added she will put more funding in nurses’ education and training.
Source: ABS-CBN News
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