In a groundbreaking panel discussion during the IAM 41st Grand Lodge Convention, healthcare workers from across North America came together to spotlight the critical issues plaguing their industry—from unsafe working conditions to inadequate staffing levels—and how unionizing is the beacon of hope for a sustainable change. Organized by IAM Healthcare, the event featured voices from various healthcare professionals who collectively stressed the urgency of putting patients before profits.
IAM Healthcare Director Shane Brinton, alongside panelists including The Pharmacy Guild Co-Founder Dr. Maurice Shawn, Physical Therapist Kat Suppa from Washington State, Pharmacist Chris Eggeman from Rhode Island, Patient Care Associate Lyndsee Cody from Ohio, and Pharmacist Bled Tanoe from Oklahoma, shared their insights and experiences that underscored the event’s theme: “Putting Patients Before Profits: Health Care Workers Organizing for Change.”
The delegates were updated with recent organizing victories, such as Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center and CVS Pharmacy in Rhode Island, which showcased a unified stance against the prevailing issues in the healthcare sector. This powerful dialogue illuminated the often overlooked challenges healthcare workers face, highlighting how these adversities trickle down to negatively impact patient care.
Dr. Maurice Shawn from the Pharmacy Guild, boldly declared, “Unionizing is the only path forward,” echoing the sentiment that collective action is critical to driving substantial improvements in the healthcare industry. This statement resonated with many delegates, further galvanizing their resolve.
Panelists shared personal anecdotes and professional observations, revealing a grim picture of the current state of healthcare work environments. Unsafe staffing levels, a primary concern voiced, directly influence both employee well-being and patient care quality. “Short staffing affects us mentally and also affects patient care,” said Lyndsee Cody, shedding light on the dire consequences of inadequate workforce allocation.
The discussion also ventured into the motivations behind the push for unionization among healthcare workers, with many panelists disclosing that the decision was driven by an unsustainable increase in workload and stagnant wages. “We are all professionals, and we see that our wages are being left behind,” stated Kat Suppa, emphasizing the universal struggle for fair compensation and professional advancement within the industry.
Encouraging the widespread unionization of healthcare professionals, the event successfully highlighted how collective bargaining and organized efforts can lead to significant positive changes for both workers and patients alike. This shift toward unionization not only seeks to address immediate concerns but also aims to foster a more nurturing and safe environment for healthcare professionals to thrive, ultimately elevating the standard of patient care across the board.