Many of you have worked with the Security Department in one way or another. Whether it was issues with your badge, assistance with patient belongings, or getting out of the parking lot after a long shift when the gate wasn’t working. Often times it was during a more serious issue involving patient and staff safety. During the Covid pandemic, every single employee stepped up and did their part to help their fellow employees as well as the community.

Unfortunately, Security is one of the only departments that has not been recognized for their efforts during the pandemic and have been deemed as non-support staff. These are the same officers who stayed late and came in early to ensure proper coverage of the hospital. We were often given bottom of the barrel PPE and often did not have time to track down proper PPE before entering dangerous situations involving Covid positive patients. We escorted every Covid positive patient to enter the hospital after it was named a “Dedicated Care Center.” We assisted the Transport Department when they needed it, we screened patients entering the ED on the overnight, and we played large parts in resolving many incidents in the ED with patients that were awaiting their test results as well as Covid positives. We did this without question not only because it was necessary, but because it was the right thing to do. We have all seen what this virus could do to an otherwise healthy person. As a community we stepped up in the face of the uncertainty and ensured that we gave each patient the best chance and the best experience that we could provide.

Now we ask that Steward Health Care shows the respect and appreciation that they have shown to other departments in the hospital for our part in the pandemic. We were told that we are not support staff and therefore should not receive the same Covid appreciation pay that every other union received. I ask what are we if not support staff? By signing this petition you will be showing your support for the Security Department and their struggle for equal treatment and recognition of the part they played in ensuring the Hospital ran as smoothly as possible. In one facet or another, security has supported you or your fellow staff as they provided care to patients, now security needs your support.

Thank you