Why We're Striking

On August 28, a Federal Mediator issued a compromise to SEIU-UHW and Sutter CPMC as a settlement of the issues to avoid a strike. The UHW Bargaining Team accepted the compromise. So initially did Sutter CPMC, only to claim later that they had not accepted it. That's why the strike is all about "Just say YES" -- All Sutter CPMC has to do is say "YES" to the compromise they already agreed to.

What Are the Issues?

For the past two years the members of SEIU-UHW have asked California hospitals to adopt a set of standards designed to protect patient care.  The standards include:

• A real voice for caregivers to ensure safe staffing, with third-party resolution of staffing disputes
  
  
• A training fund that helps our members upgrade their skills to continue to provide quality care and helps the hospitals recruit and retain qualified staff
  
  
• Guarantees of the right to organize free from interference and intimidation from management; we have agreed to the Federal Mediator’s proposal, which calls for a secret-ballot election sponsored by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

The Mediator's settlement addresses these industry standards.

Dozens of California Hospitals Have Met Industry Standards

These protections have become standard throughout the hospital industry in Northern California as dozens of hospitals have accepted all or almost all of them.

Despite months of bargaining, Sutter Health is the only major hospital chain in Northern California that has refused to meet these industry standards.

To find out more about Sutter’s track record of putting profits before patients, communities and workers check out:

• Sutter Corporate Watch: www.suttercorporatewatch.com
  
  
• Sutter’s Track Record of Anti-Union Behavior