Strike at Childrens Hospital Oakland what you need to know

Healthcare workers at Children’s Hospital Oakland began an open-ended strike on Wednesday, protesting integration plans with the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Employees represented by the National Union of Healthcare Workers fear the transition will lead to cuts in income and disrupt pensions, ultimately harming patient care. Union leaders assert that while UCSF claims no reduction in base pay, increased costs for health benefits could result in a $10,000 hit to take-home pay for many staff. Carly Sanders, a pediatric occupational specialist, condemned UCSF's actions, suggesting they reflect a broader trend of dismantling workers' rights. Founded in 1912, Children’s Hospital Oakland has long been a pediatric safety-net hospital, serving families regardless of their insurance status.

As staff contracts expired in April, many additional healthcare workers plan to support the strike. UCSF aims to unify the workforce to enhance patient care, but this has caused alarm among employees. The strike's duration remains open-ended as workers seek to address their concerns with the integration process.