BAY AREA: Union Warns 4,000 Workers May Strike July 6
Some 4,000 workers at 10 hospitals in California's Bay Area will hold a one-day strike on July 6 if negotiations fail to produce a new contract, union representatives warned Friday. The Service Employees International Union Local 250, which represents licensed vocational nurses, respiratory therapists, radiology technicians, food service workers and other employees, said members want a contract that specifies minimum staffing levels, contending that job cuts are "compromising patient care and putting workers at risk" (Contra Costa Times, 6/24). The 10 facilities, primarily owned by Catholic Healthcare West and Sutter Health, include Seton Medical Center in Daly City, Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley, Summit Medical Center in Oakland and Children's Hospital Oakland. CHW said its affected hospitals would postpone elective surgery beginning July 1 and limit emergency services on the day of the strike (Associated Press, 6/24). Alta Bates and Summit medical centers may also restrict inpatient services during the strike ( San Francisco Chronicle, 6/24).
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