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CAPITOL -- A union representing 8,000 state workers has called on the Nixon administration to increase staffing and improve working conditions at state hospitals and veterans homes.
Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees rallied at the Capitol as union negotiations got underway.
People who work at mental hospitals and veterans homes say overtime is mandatory.
They said the lack of adequate staff leads to accidents and assaults.
"We get mandated at least once a week,” Fulton State Hospital Michelle Sanders said. “Sometimes it's up to three to four days a week.”
“We were told to work double shifts, and we did,” Union Negotiator Travis Case said. "We were told to do things that made our job more dangerous . . . and we did.”
Under state law, the union can meet and confer with administrations officials about working conditions.
It cannot call a strike, however.
