On December 5, 2024, the UVM Medical Center staff took a significant stand by carrying hospital beds and marching down Colchester Ave. This was a powerful display of their discontent regarding the recent cuts imposed on various departments across the healthcare network. The event was a clear message that the staff was not willing to remain silent in the face of these cuts.

"UVM Medical Center Staff's Battle Against Healthcare Cuts"

Protest Actions and Signage

The UVM Medical Center staff showed their determination through various actions. They carried hospital beds as they marched, making a visual impact that couldn't be ignored. Along the way, they held signs with powerful messages. One sign declared "Health Care for All!", emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare for everyone. Another sign questioned "Where will all our patients go?", highlighting the potential consequences of the cuts on the patients. There were also signs demanding "Stop the cuts" amid the recent cuts to healthcare services. These signs served as a powerful tool to convey their message and gain attention.

During the rally, a UVMMC employee held a sign stating "Cut the cuts, not the care." This sentiment was echoed by many as they fought for the preservation of quality healthcare. The sight of these signs hovering above the marching staff added to the intensity of the protest.

Employee Speeches and Rally Conclusion

After the march concluded, phlebotomist and UVMMC Support Staff United President Heather Bauman took to the stage to address the crowd. Her words carried the weight of the staff's concerns and hopes for a better future. The rally concluded in front of the UVMMC support staff unions office on Colchester Ave, leaving a lasting impression on all those who witnessed it.

The University of Vermont Medical Center stood tall above Colchester Ave on that day, a symbol of the battle being fought by the staff. This event was not just a moment of protest but a call to action for the entire healthcare community to address the issue of cuts and ensure the well-being of patients.