Over 300 Hospital Workers in Orange County Join Together in Strike
Hospital Workers Strike in Orange County
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. — More than 300 union caregivers, including nurses, therapists, and housekeepers, have initiated a three-day strike at two Kindred hospitals located in Westminster and Brea. The workers are protesting what they describe as unfair labor practices, primarily focusing on low wages and chronic understaffing, which they argue have contributed to high employee turnover rates.
The striking employees are demanding increased pay and improved staffing levels. Union leaders have proposed raises of up to 6.5% in the first year of a new contract, whereas Kindred has countered with an offer of 2.5%. Workers report that starting pay at the hospitals is approximately $21 per hour, which they assert ranks among the lowest in Orange County.
In addition to the wage concerns, union members have raised allegations that management has locked out striking workers, preventing them from returning to work until 7 p.m. on the final day of the strike.
Kindred, which is owned by ScionHealth, a subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, views the strike as a part of the bargaining process. The company has asserted that patient care has not been disrupted during the strike and remains committed to negotiating a fair agreement with its employees.
This strike underscores the persistent tensions between hospital management and staff regarding pay and working conditions, with negotiations ongoing as both sides seek to resolve the conflict.
