SANTA MONICA – A certified nursing assistant who spoke to the crowd outside the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center said they joined the protest in solidarity because the UC has been running the hospital “into the ground” while union employees have kept the hospital running. They also alleged that the University has cut corners when it comes to patient care, while refusing to treat workers with respect.

“Minimum wage went up, but my paycheck didn’t,” said another speaker leading union chants. “We need to fight for every bit of what we’re going to get.”