Santa Clara County health care workers go on strike - San Jos Spotlight

Nearly 200 healthcare workers in Santa Clara County, including clinical lab scientists and medical technicians, have initiated a strike from March 24 to March 28. The strike affects key facilities like Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and O’Connor Hospital, as well as public health labs. Union leaders from Engineers and Scientists of California Local 20 assert that the county's proposed contract changes could undermine their rights to strike and impose mandatory rotations between hospitals. While county officials have denied plans for staff rotations, they have confirmed discussions about a no-strike clause. This labor action comes at a critical moment when the county is under immense pressure to restore essential healthcare services at a long-depleted hospital in East San Jose, which the county purchased last year.

The financial strain is exacerbated by a significant $250 million budget deficit, raising concerns about the sustainability of healthcare services in the region. Danny Biocini, a manager overseeing lab assistants, emphasized the complexity of medical instruments and the vital role of lab workers in high-risk medical procedures. The outcome of this strike could have lasting implications for healthcare access in Santa Clara County.