The announcement came from the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, which represents more than 750 healthcare workers at City of Hope, a research and treatment center for life-threatening diseases such as cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS.
In a news release, the union alleges understaffing is an issue in the facility’s operating room and nursing department, and notes the issue prompted more than 40 physicians who work with SEIU-UHW members to write an Oct. 31 letter to City of Hope CEO Robert Stone.
The union said workers also want benefits “comparable to those at other area hospitals in order to recruit and retain top talent.”
News of the protest comes as SEIU-UHW members are in contract negotiations with City of Hope. The previous contract expired in September.
In response to the protest, City of Hope told Becker’s via email, “For decades, City of Hope and the Service Employees International Union – SEIU, have successfully worked together. Since our contract with the SEIU expired Sept. 30, we have been in active, ongoing negotiations. City of Hope remains committed to reaching an agreement that values our employees, provides competitive pay and allows all of us to continue the excellent care we provide to our patients.”
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