I am writing this petition as someone who has spent over five years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in both hospital and long-term care settings. In this time, I have witnessed and experienced many forms of abuse and neglect. From being expected to manage an extremely high workload with too little support to living in fear of losing my job and my professional license, the stress and strain placed upon healthcare workers in my position is immense and often unacknowledged.

CNAs and nurses are often overworked and underpaid. Despite the critical role that we play in the healthcare system - a role that has been particularly invaluable since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 - our contributions are not properly valued. We face escalating levels of abuse from patients and, sadly, from some of our employers too. Yet, our reports and complaints fall on deaf ears and we fear consequences if we speak up.

This reality is not sustainable. Nurses who have extended their education and training deserve a pay scale commensurate with their investment and effort. CNAs, who work tirelessly on the front lines, deserve a work environment where they feel valued and protected.

It is time for better work conditions for healthcare professionals, guaranteed protections for their right to voice their concerns without fear of repercussions, and pay rates that genuinely reflect the immense responsibility and intense work they undertake.

I urge you - stand with us in our call for change. Sign this petition and lend your voice to the fight for improved pay and conditions for CNAs and nurses. Together, we can help to ensure that the healthcare sector is a safer, more sustainable place for everyone involved.