U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., took direct aim at leaders of University of Vermont Medical Center

Published 2:42 p.m. ET July 6, 2018

Excerpt:

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., took direct aim at leaders of University of Vermont Medical Center on Friday, complaining hospital executives are reaping huge pay gains while nurses' pay is wholly inadequate.

Sanders noted the hospital had $75 million in profits three years ago, yet seems to prioritize its executives over its workforce. “I find it hard to believe that the hospital has enough money to pay nearly $11 million to 15 administrators, including more than $2 million to the CEO, but apparently doesn’t have enough money to pay their nurses the same wages nurses earn across the lake in Plattsburgh,” where the cost of living is lower, Sanders said. If UVM Medical Center is willing to pay to attract “the best and the brightest” to manage the hospital, “well, how about paying competitive wages to attract the best and the brightest nurses to care for patients?”

Wrong people at the table: Sanders complained the nurses’ union has had to negotiate contract issues with UVM Medical Center attorneys instead of with top administrators. He indicated this shows a lack of full respect for the nurses' point of view.

https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2018/07/06/bernie-sanders-nurse-pay-strike-university-vermont-medical-center-burlington/763910002/