Protesters at Asheville VA say being understaffed is dangerous

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Veterans Affairs employees held a rally outside Asheville's Charles George VA Medical Center on Thursday to protest working conditions.

Protesters said low staffing levels are creating risks to patient safety and a hazardous work environment. They said Congress has failed to fill open positions, putting veterans' health care at risk.

"We're trying to get the word out and let Congress know that we're here to support these veterans," Brandee Morris, of AFGE Local 446, said.

Protestors said there are nearly 50,000 open positions at VA centers across the country, and t there's no plan in place to fill them.