Unionized workers at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center walked off the job and went on a week-long strike to protest low wages and high work rates.
“We they offered a raise of 2.32% which is nothing compared to inflation that rose 8%; and after a month of negotiations, they proposed us a 3.25% we do not accept. Everything is very expensive, not to mention gasoline. That is why we are asking for an increase according to the situation we are experiencing,” said Adolfo Morales, nursing assistant, who participates in the work stoppage.
He also stated that they are protesting against the work overload .
“You can give us one to 32 patients per day; and what we want is 8 patients to be able to give them the appropriate care”.
Throughout the week, unionized workers International SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West 
will be participating in a work stoppage for what they consider unfair labor practices at their workplace, Cedars-Sinai Hospital.
“We are not working, but they have already brought people to replace us,” Morales said.
The union SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West represents more than 2,05 certified nursing assistants, surgical and infertility processing technicians, carriers, and food service, among others ros.
The strike does not involve nurses or doctors. In all, Cedars-Sinai has about ,05 employees.
“We are extremely frustrated that even though we risked our lives to provide world-class medical care to our patients, Cedars-Sinai management has not negotiated in good faith , continue unfair labor practices and don’t seem to take patient and worker safety seriously,” said Luz Oglesby, clinical associate at the medical center.
“In our last round of negotiations, Cedars-Sinai rejected our proposals on personal protective equipment reserves, covid exposure notifications, keeping pregnant workers and workers with compromised immune systems away from patients infected with the virus; and other security measures.
Said they are only asking for basic protections in the workplace and respect for the lives and health of caregivers and patients.
Earlier this month, Cal/OSHA issued Cedars-Sinai seven fines for violating regulations designed to protect the safety of the Workplace. Four of the fines were classified as serious labor safety violations related to the prevention of covid-19.
As a result, Cedars-Sinai employees held a demonstration in protest against the danger to which the hospital exposes workers and patients.
SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West union spokespersons revealed that Cedars-Sinai recently received a D rating for hospital safety. In the spring of 2022, he had earned a C.
The factors that contribute to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has received a D rating, including poor performance in infection treatment, surgery, safety, and error-avoidance practices.
Andy Ortiz, chief of human resources at Cedars-Sinai, said that despite the strike, the hospital is fully operational without the need to postpone surgeries or medical appointments.
In a letter Tom Priselac , the president of Cedars-Sinai sent to patients and employees, said that during the long bargaining meetings, it was clear that the union leaders never wanted to settle on a new contract without a strike.
“This became even clearer when the union broke off negotiations without responding to our last offer, and instead they went on strike.”
Ortiz added that they have been offered a raise of 000% over a period of three years, which coincides with market payment practices.
On the other hand, he said that it is important to mention that they are really disappointed with the union. “We have a very long relationship with them. During the last 35 years, we have achieved 11 different agreements”.
This Wednesday at noon, healthcare workers and allies will march in Beverly Hills during the Cedars-Sinai luncheon and fashion show.
“Instead of doing ostentatious fashion shows in luxury hotels, Cedars-Sinai needs to address patient safety, invest in its workforce and reach a fair wage compromise with its employees,” he said. Dave Reagan, President of SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
He added that it is ridiculous for Cedars-Sinai management to reject worker safety proposals, even after being fined $75,000 by the Department of Public Health for a serious violation resulting in the death of a patient at 2021.
According to the state deficiency survey, the patient was found rado disconnected from two pieces of equipment and his vital signs had not been taken in over two hours.