Health care workers begin one-day strike at O'Connor hospital

Hundreds of health care workers began a 24-hour strike over contract negotiations this morning at five Daughters of Charity Health System hospitals through the state, including in Daly City, San Jose, Moss Beach and Gilroy.

Members of the Service Employees International Union United Health Care Workers-West started the strike at 6 a.m. today, union spokesman Mason Stockstill said. The affected facilities include Seton Medical Center in Daly City, O'Connor Hospital in San Jose, Seton Coastside in Moss Beach and hospitals in Gilroy and Los Angeles.

Julie Hatcher, vice president of human resources at O'Connor Hospital in San Jose, estimated that between 50 and 60 workers were striking in front of the hospital this morning, and that 40 percent of union workers crossed the picket line.
Advertisement

She said an estimated 60 replacement workers were hired at O'Connor Hospital for the strike.Contract negotiations began in March for the five hospitals and Hatcher said there is currently no date set to get back to the bargaining table.