Huntington , Cabell County , West Virginia

Too much overtime and not enough workers. those are the concern of some employees at a state-run hospital in Huntington.

Twenty protesters made up of union workers, state hospital employees and member of occupy Huntington sent a strong message in front of Mildred-Mitchell Bateman Hospital Monday afternoon. They want the hospital to stop mandatory overtime, hire more staff, have better wages and training.

Donna Morgan with U.E. Local 170 says, "We have criminally insane people here and the workers are not being trained how to deal with patients. We need additional staff to help."

A worker who wishes to remain anonymous says, "I'm glad the protesters are here and giving us a voice. The mandatory overtime isn't fair and it doesn't give us much time to spend with our families."

John Law, a spokesperson with the D.H.H.R says, "We use mandatory overtime as a last resort. Employees are requested to work voluntary overtime before mandatory overtime is imposed. Staffing continues to be a problem in all state facilities."

Law also commented on the concerns of workplace safety. "Patients in state hospitals are there because they are involuntarily committed. Some act out in a physical manner. We take the steps necessary to minimize risks to our patients."

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