Members of UPTE-CWA 9119 shared testimonials outside of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center at 12:45 p.m. Isabel Velasquez, a clinical social worker from UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, emphasized the need for higher pay and better support for staff in her speech.

“We are ones who comfort those in crisis, fight for justice and work tirelessly to create a better society for all,” she said in the speech. “Despite our immense responsibility, our dedication and our sacrifices, we are not treated with the respect we deserve.”