UC Davis Medical Center reduces, delays services because of strike [Video]
13,000 unionized hospital workers may picket Tuesday, Wednesday
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has asked its roughly 13,000 patient care workers statewide, including nursing assistants, operating room scrubs and respiratory therapists, to go on a two-day strike.
“The issue is safe staffing. The issue is whether or not patients are the priority in the hospitals, because it needs to stop being in the pockets of these executives,” said Todd Stenhouse, spokesman for Local 3299, adding that he believes hospital executives are being overcompensated.
However, UC officials said their contract offers pay raises and great benefits, and AFSCME does not want to accept a new pension plan with greater worker contributions.
Spokesperson Charles Casey told KCRA 3 that just the potential for a strike has UC Davis Medical Center making changes for this week. Changes include reducing blood draw services by 40 percent as well as postponing 48 elective surgeries, 519 radiological examinations that include ultrasounds and x-rays, and 15 gastrointestinal procedures.
“Our patients’ safety and security will remain our top priority, and we will continue to provide them with high-quality care they expect to receive from us,” Casey said.
The California Public Employment Relations Board will ask for an injunction in court Monday morning to stop some AFSCME employees from striking, after UC officials argued it will impact public health and safety.
Stenhouse said the strike is about public safety, and emphasized critical care workers will be available for medical emergencies.
UC officials said they stand to lose up to $20 million because of the massive strike.
[Source]: KCRA
