Episode 3: Gil Zamora, injured at work, fights for his 47-year job and for dignity

A veteran worker at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Orange California fights for a voice and for dignity at work. Gil Zamora's 47 years of dedicated service to his hospital may come to an undignified end after an injury on the job and a long recovery that followed. First he was told his job would be waiting for him, but then it was filled and he was told he could apply for a different job at half the pay. Mr. Zamora’s story shows how even the most loyal employees are vulnerable to a system where corporate values have replaced the stated values of Saint Joes: Dignity, Justice, Service and Excellence.

Click 'play' on player to the right to hear the episode

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Mr Zamora is still hoping to complete 50 years with the hospital and then retire. His story is being publicized in recent press coverage:

El Hospital St. Joseph Despide a un Empleado Despúes de 47 Años Servico
St. Joseph Hospital Fires an Employee after 47 Years on the Job

Lideres Comunitarios Apoyan al Trabajador Despedido del Hospital St. Joseph

Excerpts from Gil Zamora's interview:

I'm 72 years old. My whole family has put in close to 100 years of service to the hospital. I want to get the union to get there -- not for me. It's for the other people there. They don't get good benefits, no voice. You can talk to the supervisor and he says 'I'll take care of it' and they never do. I wish the union gets there and make it better for the employees.

I got in an accident. It took a year almost for them to approve my surgery. I got a letter that it was fine that I’m going to have surgery but I was not able to get my medical leave of absence because I didn’t work enough hours that year [because of a previous injury]. ...

I went and talked to my boss because the letter that I got that they might get somebody in my position. And I talked to my boss. He says 'don’t worry about that letter, your job is secure.' And my son works there. He find out in December that they already hired somebody and took my position. ...

It was better when the sisters were there. It was like a family. We enjoyed going to work. Now it’s different. Now there’s nothing but pressure. I never got any good say so from my supervisor.