REDDING, Calif. — Healthcare workers braved snowy conditions in Redding to picket outside Shasta Regional Medical Center, calling for changes they say are needed to protect patients and staff.
Members of the California Nurses Association and the Caregivers and Healthcare Employees Union held a one-day strike at the Prime Healthcare-owned hospital. Chief steward of the Caregivers and Healthcare Employees Union Matthew Young said workers want safe handling of patients, more staffing and better infection control.
Prime Healthcare, Shasta Regional’s parent company, said in a statement that Shasta Regional Medical Center “has already implemented wage increases that will provide millions of dollars in additional compensation to our employees over the next three years, reflecting our ongoing effort to recognize and reward the dedication of our more than 700 professionals.” The statement added, “These wage increases, along with comprehensive benefit programs that rank among the best in the nation, have been included in proposals presented during negotiations.”
The strike was primarily against Prime Healthcare, the hospital’s parent company.