Unionized workers rallied outside Salt Lake City-based George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Monday over staffing, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.
Workers, who are represented by the American Federation of Government Employees, called on the VA to fill vacancies at its facilities, including the Salt Lake City medical center, according to the report. About 12 workers participated.
According to the report, Salt Lake City VA officials indicated earlier this month there were more than 250 full-time vacancies at that local facility. Nationally, VA officials reported 35,000 vacant positions as of Sept. 29.
VA spokesman Curt Cashour told The Salt Lake City Tribune the VA's Veterans Health Administration's overall vacancy rate is about 9 percent — "less than half the vacancy rate for private sector hospitals." He added, "But we're always looking for qualified medical professionals to fill positions that meet patient needs."
The rally in Salt Lake City is one of a number of similar rallies being held across the U.S., according to the report.
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