AFSCME President Lee Saunders has issued a statement in recognition of Nurses Week, which runs from May 6 to May 12. In his message, Saunders highlights the critical role nurses play in healthcare, describing them as “the backbone of America’s health system.” He emphasizes their contributions in caring for patients and maintaining the operations of hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and health departments.
Saunders calls attention to what he describes as threats from “billionaires and anti-union extremists” who aim to undermine nurses’ rights and workplace safety. He warns that proposed cuts to Medicaid by Congress could lead to significant disruptions in healthcare services. According to Saunders, such cuts would result in job losses for nurses, overwhelmed emergency rooms, closures of hospitals and clinics, and ultimately a decline in care quality.
He notes that AFSCME nurses have been actively working to protect their patients by engaging with representatives in Washington and organizing for action. Saunders urges support for these efforts with a call to Congress: “put public health before billionaire wealth.”
