Following contract negotiations, an October candlelight vigil and a Nov. 11 offer from Long Beach Memorial, the California Nurses Association (CNA) plans to hold a one-day strike on Dec. 22. Patients are not expected to be affected by the strike, as Long Beach Memorial/Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach (LBM/MCHLB) is prepared to hire up to 2,000 nurse replacements so that they can continue to provide normal healthcare services to the community.
Nurses have been working without a contract since September 30. LBM/MCHLB and the CNA have conducted 16 negotiating sessions since contract talks began in July 2011. Long Beach Memorial’s Nov. 11 offer included guaranteed annual wage increases, a benefits program and new temporary assignment (floating) plan that would provide additional coverage for specific care units.
Nurses contend that the hospital has still not sufficiently addressed their concerns over patient care issues, increases in healthcare costs for nurses, safety standards, lift practices, and meal and rest breaks. In October, nurses held a candlelight vigil in front of the hospital to emphasize their concerns. Long Beach nurses issued a 14-day notice of intent to strike in early December.
“Our goal remains to reach a new, competitive and responsible contract with the Union without a strike. However, if the Union orders a strike, Long Beach residents can be assured that the Union’s actions will in no way compromise our ability or commitment to serve the health care needs of the community,” said Susan Melvin, associate chief medical officer of Long Beach Memorial.
LBM/MCHLB will post information for patients, physicians and visitors at www.memorialcare.org/LongBeach.
