The Californian: Hundreds of SVMH workers strike

NewsJune 22, 2011

From The Californian:

By Scott MacDonald

SALINAS — Hundreds of workers from Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System walked off the job Tuesday, the first-ever strike in the institution’s 58-year history.

The one-day labor action was held to protest stalled negotiations between the hospital’s largest union and management.

While the contract talks have been contentious for at least seven months, workers have been angered recently over revelations about former CEO Sam Downing leaving with nearly $4 million in retirement payouts. That news came in the wake of the hospital announcing plans to cut as many as 150 workers.

At Tuesday’s protest, hundreds of workers in red T-shirts held signs decrying management and lauding workers’ role in patient care. Drivers honked approval as they drove by on Romie Lane, drawing cheers from pickets.

Read the full article at The Californian.