Members of Service Employees International Union, Local 121RN at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana (Calif.) Medical Center have voted to authorize a strike.
The union represents more than 9,000 registered nurses and other healthcare professionals at nearly 30 hospitals and facilities in Los Angeles and surrounding counties, according to a Dec. 2 SEIU news release shared with Becker's. Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana is jointly owned and operated by Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai and Providence, which has system offices in Renton, Wash., and Irvine, Calif.
Union members began negotiating their contract in June, rallied in an informational picket Nov. 4, and authorized a strike Dec. 1. The strike authorization does not mean a walkout will occur. However, it allows the workers' contract bargaining team to move forward with a strike. A potential strike could be averted if both sides reach an agreement.
Union members contend that during negotiations, hospital management has failed to adequately address their concerns. Specifically, they allege a "toxic workplace culture" at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana and are asking the hospital "to conduct a prompt, thorough and fair investigation when a caregiver reports harassment, abuse, discrimination or retaliation."
In the union news release, SEIU 121RN Executive Director Rosanna Mendez also said the hospital should seriously address issues such as burnout, critical staffing levels and future public health emergencies.
In a statement shared with Becker's, Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana expressed disappointment that the union is considering a strike. The hospital said its goal is "a contract that is best for all involved. Unfortunately, the union has failed to respond to the hospital's significant wage offer and its suggestion of engaging a federal mediator to help manage negotiations."
The hospital also said it is prepared to hire quality temporary bedside caregivers in the event of a strike, but it hopes both sides can come to an agreement.