Nurses Strike at Alta Bates Hospital

Contract negotiations between the union and health care provider Sutter Health began in April and broke off after the two sides made little progress at a Sept. 26 meeting.

The walkout at Alta Bates, which has campuses in Berkeley and Oakland, coincides with a broader strike of about 5,000 registered nurses at 15 Northern California hospitals.

Union officials are calling it the largest strike of registered nurses in a decade.

During the demonstration in Berkeley, about 250 protesters chanted and marched with signs bearing slogans such as “Sutter Puts Profits Before Patients.” They also erected a giant inflatable rat in front of the hospital.

Nurses and union officials stressed that they are primarily striking to improve patient care.

“We want our patients to have a (registered nurse) providing direct care 24/7,” said Irene LaChance, a registered nurse who has worked at Alta Bates for 25 years.

Hospital spokesperson Carolyn Kemp said Alta Bates is one of the top medical centers in the nation.

“We believe patient care here is exemplary,” Kemp said. “I’m proud of the care, and I’m proud of our staff, and I’m proud of our nurses.”

The hospital has brought in temporary nurses to replace those that are on strike, and representatives said the level of patient care will not be affected.