Union members call for mental health awareness, safer conditions at state hospitals
Members of AFSCME Local 1003 were joined by their SEIU sisters and brothers for an informational picket outside of their workplace Wernersville State Hospital (WSH) on May 30.
Nurses and other staff at WSH are concluding Mental Health Awareness Month by calling on their employer, their elected officials, and their community, to learn more about this issue and to understand the challenges that employees in mental health facilities are facing.
Some WSH employees have experienced violence at the hands of patients. They are now calling on the local District Attorney and other officials to do more to protect nurses and patients alike.
“In the long run we are looking for laws to be changed so that we’re able to do something to protect ourselves against the threat of harm,” said Christine Dietz, a Psychiatric Aide at WSH and President of AFSCME Local 1003.
“It’s not just our hospital. I want this for everyone to be safe.”
Christine Dietz, WSH Psychiatric Aide and President of AFSCME Local 1003, is standing in solidarity with her fellow union members for safer working conditions.
Christine spoke out during the informational picket, along with SEIU-HCPA President Neal Miller and AFSCME District Council 88 Director Tom Tosti.
Council 13 is proud to represent hundreds of employees at WSH, including Psychiatric Aides, Licensed Practical Nurses, clerical employees, food service workers, custodial and maintenance staff, equipment and utility operators, and more. Join us in solidarity with WSH workers and healthcare professionals everywhere.
See below for more photos!
