Strike at Sutter Roseville and other hospitals averted

Editor's Note: This story was edited on October 14 after a tentative agreement was reached Threats of a strike at Sutter Roseville and other Sutter hospitals and medical centers in Northern California, were averted this week. According to statements from SEIU-UHW, the union that represents over 100,000 healthcare workers in California, contract negotiations with the healthcare giant were successful; a tentative agreement was reached on October 11. Last week, 96% of workers with the union voted in favor of a strike, though an actual strike date was not set. The union was prepared to strike over what they described as unfair labor practices, including a demand for fair pay, benefits, and more staffing. A statement from a representative from the union released a statement about the tentative agreement. "This tentative agreement shows that when we stand united, we can win improvements that protect both healthcare workers and our patients," said Dinora Garcia, a dietary clerk from Sutter Lakeside. "Reaching this agreement wasn't easy but we stood together to advocate for worker and patient safety, improved staffing levels, and fair wages and benefits that reflect the vital work we do every day." The strike threat involved more than 4,000 healthcare workers at Sutter Health facilities in Oakland, Santa Rosa, Roseville, Berkeley, Lakeport, Vallejo, Antioch, Castro Valley and San Francisco. After the tentative agreement was reached, Sutter Health released a statement: "Sutter Health and SEIU-UHW reached tentative agreements for new contracts on Saturday covering more than 4,400 employees at eight hospitals," said the Sutter Health statement. "The parties have negotiated in good faith since July for an agreement that recognizes and rewards employees while supporting our ability to deliver safe, high-quality care. We believe the tentative agreements meet those goals. SEIU-UHW will soon hold a ratification vote for its membership. We encourage all eligible employees to participate in the vote and support this fair contract offer." The tentative contract agreement still must be voted on and approved by the members before it is final. If approved, the agreement will provide 14 percent across-the-board raises for workers. The agreement also protects healthcare and retirement benefits for these frontline healthcare workers, according to union officials. The SEIU-UHW represents thousands of nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, licensed vocational nurses, environmental services, cooks, technicians, and more who are employed at Sutter Health.