Hope from the Front Lines is a weekly podcast featuring stories of black and brown women who are members of SEIU HCIIMK on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. Subscribe to the podcast today.

Nearly six months into the pandemic, hospitals across the U.S. still struggle to keep up with rising admissions of COVID-19 patients. While Chicagoland has yet to see a flattening of the curve, some hospitals have resumed elective surgeries and admitting visitors.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital, located in the city’s center, was one of the first to do both and received a large CARES Act grant to keep its operations going. But little told is the hospital’s poor communication, inequitable PPE distribution, resistance to hazard pay, elimination of contributions to employees’ 401K plans, and seeming disregard for the safety and well being of its service employees.

In this episode, three employees share their frustrations and vigilance fighting for hazard pay, respect and appreciation.