Approximately 560 workers at Providence Tarzana (Calif.) Medical Center went on strike Aug. 16 over wages and staffing, reports CBS Los Angeles.
The workers, represented by the National Union of Healthcare Workers, have been in contract negotiations with management for nine months. They include nursing assistants, respiratory therapists and medical technicians.
Workers seek wages that are in line with the cost of living, the union said in a prepared statement. According to the report, the union contends the hospital's offer of a 2 percent annual raise "wouldn't come close to keeping pace with rising prices and soaring rents." Workers also seek an end to the frequent cancellation of shifts that they say has resulted in staffing issues.
To prepare for the one-day walkout, Providence Tarzana brought in temporary staff to cover the shifts of striking caregivers. Hospital officials said in a statement to Becker's that temporary workers must be guaranteed a five-day term and striking caregivers will not be able to return to work until the hospital completes its commitment to the temporary staffing agency.
Meanwhile, two additional bargaining sessions are scheduled.
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