Healthcare professionals at Sunrise Hospital have hit another roadblock in their year-and-a-half long contract negotiations.
In response, hospital employees picketed along South Maryland Parkway on Monday night — a 20-foot inflatable rocket underscoring the message about their boss’ skyrocketing pay.
The HCA Healthcare CEO who operates Sunrise Hospital, Samuel Hazen, earned $23 million last year. That’s 391 times the average salary of an HCA employee, like those working at Sunrise Hospital.
Picketing workers said conditions there are grueling and their own pay is uncompetitive, leading to burnout and staffing shortages. This "profits above people" approach is forcing staff to make tough decisions.
"When your loved one is in that hospital bed, or you're in that hospital bed, you want the best care," said Kalani Kauwe, a long-time physical therapist at Sunrise and a union leader with SEIU Local 1107, which represents the hospital's staff. "You don't want to be set aside for tomorrow because somebody else meets the algorithm of priority.”
In a statement, a Sunrise Hospital representative said they value each team member and are committed to fair and equitable compensation for all.
The next bargaining meetings are scheduled for August 26 and 27.
