MNA Strike Support
Tell Congress to investigate Tenet and other large hospital systems
There is ample evidence to suggest that Tenet Healthcare used COVID-relief funds to improperly expand its business, enrich its executives and shareholders, and prioritize the company’s bottom line over patients and caregivers.
Despite being flush with taxpayer-funded stimulus money, Tenet has refused to increase staffing or invest in its caregivers who put their lives on the line during the pandemic. The company is refusing to offer market rate raises to its workers in Southern California or implement safe staffing levels in Massachusetts.
Tenet has received $2.6 billion in COVID relief funds that were intended to stabilize healthcare facilities responding to the pandemic. Tenet received $899 million in direct aid from the federal CARES Act Provider Relief Funds, $1.4 billion in Medicare Advance Payments, which serve as an interest free loan, $260 million in deferral of payroll tax match and $14 million in state and local COVID-related grant programs.
After receiving billions in public dollars, Tenet ended 2020 with a $399 million net profit and $2.5 billion in cash reserves, more than double its cash balance in any quarter during the past 10 years. The company also used nearly $500 million in cash to pre-pay debt that was not due for four years.
An investigation is urgently needed to investigate these matters, evaluate the actions of other large health systems, and identify steps needed to recoup any misappropriated funds.
Over 100 days on the picket line
The nurses are striking for the safe staffing levels that we know are needed to protect patients and the community. Tenet knows this fight is bigger than one hospital. The nurses at St. Vincent hospital are challenging Tenet's profit-driven, dangerous, and exploitative business model. Tenet has announced that it will begin hiring permanent replacements for the striking nurses. This must not stand! We must not allow Tenet to beat down these heroic nurses.
Nurses haves been on strike for over 100 days, and they need our support now more than ever.
Join the Labor Campaign for Single Payer on June 29, 8:00pm ET for a National Solidarity Emergency Town Hall. You'll hear from nurses on the picket line and learn how you can help #TakeOnTenet in your community.
Register in advance for this Emergency Town Hall:https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYofuqvpzItE9KSTK8R58Omo3QU4LLdZfvqAfter registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
The reality is, with Medicare for All we wouldn't be in this fight. Nurse-to-patient ratios would be set by law, ensuring safe and effective staffing ratios across the country that protect nurses, patients, and the community. Hospitals would not be able to exploit nurses and patients to line shareholder pockets.
Tenet is one of the biggest corporate backers of the anti-Medicare for All front group, the Partnership for America's Healthcare Future. The Massachusetts Nurses Association has been a core supporter of the fight to win Medicare for All. The stakes in this fight couldn't be clearer.
As we continue our fight for Medicare for All, the Labor Campaign stands with all workers fighting for the safety of their patients, respect on the job, and people over profits. Can we count on you to join us?
Join us on on June 29, 8:00pm ET for a National Solidarity Emergency Town Hall. and we'll #TakeOnTenet together!
Other ways to get involved
LAWN SIGNS AND BUTTONS
Stop by the Strike HQ at
11 E. Central St. in Worcester and pick up “We Support the St. Vincent Nurses” lawn signs and buttons – take as many as you need for yourself, your organization and family and friends. Wear your buttons wherever you go! (Use the form below to request lawn signs).
ADOPT A DAY ON THE LINE!
Picketing during the strike will take place from 6AM-12AM. Your family, organization or union can help us to maintain a robust picket line by adopting a day on the line. It’s such a kick for the nurses to have folks join them. Please let Sandy Ellis know if you have a group that can adopt-a-day and what day and time. Sandy can be reached at sellis@mnarn.org.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Help keep the media coverage alive by sending a letter to the editor in support of the nurses’ fight for patient safety and calling on Tenet Corp to get to the table and settle a contract that includes the protections patients and nurses deserve. Click here for guidelines on how to submit a letter to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.