A group of Capital Region first responders is saying "enough."

Many employees of Mohawk Ambulance, and their supporters, protested Monday in Albany amid contract negotiations. They say the wages are too low, and the hours too long for people often tasked with saving lives.

Many EMS workers for the company say they are currently making $12.51 an hour. Protesters say that wage is unfair, as are the long hours.

According to the president of Mohawk Ambulance, the union agreed to a maximum of 26 hours within a 34-hour period in the past. The company wants to shorten the number of consecutive hours in this round of negotiations. The union has not yet agreed to that proposal.

This push comes after a 2017 crash in which a Mohawk driver fell asleep at the wheel, resulting in the death of a patient. The company's president says the driver was eight hours into a 12-hour shift, following 14 hours of rest.

Workers argue better hours and wages are key to saving lives.

"We have people that can't pay their bills and are living paycheck to paycheck. In an industry like this, why are we living paycheck to paycheck?" asked Tonya Danish, a Mohawk Ambulance employee.

In a statement, the president of Mohawk Ambulance said, "Existing wage rates were not unilaterally imposed by Mohawk Ambulance Service; they were agreed to with the Union during negotiations three years ago."

A meeting with the union is scheduled for this week.