The New Orleans Hospitality Workers Committee met with a fellow worker named Laura, a mother, and a long-time, hospitality worker. At age 43, Laura hasn’t had insurance for about 2 years. Why? She couldn’t afford it. This year, she finally went to the hospital to find that she had a severe heart infection that must have been brewing for 5 months to a year, and what happened? She almost got kicked out of the hospital! By action on behalf of community members and doctors such as Mark-Alain Dery, she was able to stay. However, Laura’s life is in critical condition, and should she survive, she or her family will likely face medical debt. Her case is an example for thousands of workers and their families every year. Is this acceptable?
The New Orleans Hospitality Workers Committee thinks not. We know that the Tourism Marketing Corporation has the capacity to pay for Laura’s insurance, as well as all the hospitality workers of New Orleans. With over $140 Million per year, it is entirely possible that the city provides workers with a full service medical clinic. We, the workers must stand up together, with our families and communities, against the rich making decisions at the expense of our lives! We can no longer work day-in and day-out with a smile on our face while corporations and politicians steal our money.