HCA facing SoCal strike

A union local representing about 2,000 Southern California workers has told HCA Healthcare it plans to launch a strike on Christmas Eve unless the company takes a number of COVID-related staffing and safety measures.

The Service Employees International Union local in question represents nurses and licensed medical professionals at three HCA hospitals in the Los Angeles area and has been in talks with the company since the summer. Representatives say HCA officials haven’t committed enough caregivers in the face of COVID, have rationed protective equipment and aren’t testing enough patients and workers to keep their facilities safe. The company disputes those claims and told Becker’s Hospital Review it also has developed team nursing models and paid workers bonuses during the pandemic.