Dialysis Protests

We are facing the most serious crisis in care in more than 100 years, and our patients and coworkers are being put at risk by management at Fresenius and Satellite Healthcare. We are done with dialysis corporations stalling in bargaining, and we are done with management trying to avoid accountability.

This week, hundreds of us were joined by SEIU-UHW members from local hospitals, elected leaders, community allies, and our dialysis patients to show how determined we are to #FixDialysis. Management’s attempts to keep us quiet have only made us stronger—and louder.

“I never thought I would be in dialysis this long, or that I would meet amazing co-workers and would be blessed to connect with patients and their families,” said Noelle Escovilla, RN at Satellite Folsom. “As I marched and chanted with all of you to fight for what we deserve—I felt the energy. It was infectious to be part of something bigger than myself! I was nervous leading up to our action but now having experienced it—I’m so proud to be a part of making history and so grateful for all of us standing up together. We cannot be stopped!”

It felt empowering to have the support of other union members with us at our protest, but the most cherished moment was standing with our patients,” said Brittany Sanchez, PCT at Fresenius University. “They’re so tired after receiving their treatment and they still showed their support and love for us while calling out Fresenius for how they treat us. They wouldn’t be receiving the life-saving treatment without us, and we show up every day for them. Our protest showed the quantity of people who are ready to make change, and the quality of people that we are.”

Fresenius and Satellite are making millions and paying us as little as $17 an hour even though our patients rely on us to stay alive. We didn’t stop during the pandemic, and we aren’t going to back down until they bargain in good faith.