Many Stony Brook University Hospital employees say they shouldn't have to pay to park at work and rallied Wednesday against Stony Brook’s plans to increase parking fees for them.

Amy Lee Pacholk is a surgical trauma ICU nurse and a union leader.

She said she currently pays $16.24 each month to park in the lot adjacent to the hospital, and Stony Brook wants to increase the amount up to $50 per month.

There is a free lot, employees told News 12, but it’s nowhere near the hospital.

It’s across campus and a shuttle transports people back and forth to the lot.

Stony Brook University officials released the following statement to News 12:

“Stony Brook University has been engaged in negotiations and discussions with campus partners related to parking rates and processes for the past two years. Campus parking rates have not been increased in several decades and while those negotiations remain ongoing, the campus continues essential work on parking facilities and maintaining normal operations. Recently, some of our legacy parking management systems reached their end of life and are no longer able to be supported. This required an updated solution to maintain parking access while also supporting our continual efforts to enhance the campus customer experience. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the various stakeholders involved in parking. “