Members of the California Nurses Association at MemorialCare Long Beach (Calif.) Medical Center and Long Beach-based Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in the hospital’s administration on July 17, the union said in a news release.
The union represents nearly 2,100 nurses at Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital, according to the CNA.
Union members contend that management has engaged in bad faith bargaining practices and disregarded what they say are failures in patient care standards. They specifically cited staffing levels, workplace violence and financial decisions among their concerns.
MemorialCare disputes their contentions. In a statement provided to Becker’s, the hospital cited 18 separate bargaining sessions it has held with union representatives since February with additional sessions scheduled. Regarding safety, the hospital pointed to the presence of metal detectors in the ER, and that the hospitals will meet or exceed state requirements for metal detectors by 2027.
The no-confidence vote follows a one-day strike in May and layoffs at Fountain Valley Calif.-based MemorialCare.
MemorialCare shared plans in early May to lay off 115 positions by July 1 as part of operational and workflow changes across Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital. Affected employees included technicians, nurses and other administrative and clinical roles.
MemorialCare laid off an additional 58 employees on June 16.
“Despite these challenges, nurses have continued to care for their patients — working overtime, training new staff and supporting each other,” Stephanie Jobe, RN, said in the release. “The vote is not just a statement of protest, but a call to urgent action and accountability.”
In a statement shared with Becker’s, MemorialCare described the union’s vote as “negotiating tactics and biased allegations by union leadership.” The health system also emphasized its continued commitment to providing high-quality care.
“The safety of our care providers and patients is among our top priorities,” MemorialCare said. “We remain firmly committed to bargaining in good faith and reaching an agreement with the union that is both fair to our nurses and sustainable for our hospitals in the face of growing industry challenges. We had a productive negotiation session with the union late last week and look forward to continuing constructive dialogue with the union’s representatives in upcoming sessions.”
