WAYNE, Mich. (WXYZ) — Workers at three local Beaumont hospitals say their wages are too low, and that they’re working on an expired contract. Beginning Wednesday afternoon, they’ll be more vocal as they host a rally outside the Beaumont Wayne hospital near the intersection of Venoy and Annapolis in Wayne.
"I'm a people person, so I love making sure my patients are well cared for," said Estella Harding, a nearly 30-year employee. "But we need better staffing throughout the hospital so we can provide better care. We're dealing with people's lives, we're not a factory or assembly line.”
The union representing the reported 1,000 workers between hospitals in Trenton, Taylor and Wayne claim that employees make as little as $9.45/hour — they’re pointing to a recent raise for the company’s CEO, who according to the group, is now making $5.6 million.
Beaumont Health released this statement to 7 Action News:
Beaumont Health has been meeting with SEIU for more than a year, bargaining in good faith, with the goal of reaching a mutually agreeable labor contract. We have met with multiple SEIU negotiators in more than 24 sessions. We remain committed to continuing to bargain in good faith with the union and are looking forward to coming to an agreement for our valued employees.
Executive compensation is unrelated to this negotiation process. Beaumont is recognized as one of Michigan’s and the nation’s best for excellent and compassionate patient care. We also are committed to being a workplace of choice, in part by providing employees with comprehensive, market-competitive compensation and benefits.
People who live, or work, in Wayne will likely notice the crowd as they protest around 4 p.m.
Workers from all three hospitals are expected to participate in the rally. They’ve also set up an online presence at the website United for a Better Beaumont.
