Hospital workers prepare to strike, Union cites unfair labor practices in complaint

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/ci_8323119

By Christine Morente, STAFF WRITER
Article Created: 02/21/2008 02:34:57 AM PST

MILLBRAE — Caregivers at the Emmanuel Convalescent Hospital are preparing to strike Friday over alleged violations of federal labor laws.

The strike will begin at 6 a.m. and last 24 hours, said Mason Stockstill of United Healthcare Workers-West's Service Employees International Union.

"We want to show them that the workers are united, and the community is united behind these workers," Stockstill said. "We aren't going to sit idly by while the employers are violating the contract and pretending it doesn't exist. The union is not going away."

The union represents 87 caregivers at Emmanuel. According to the employees, the owners — Amparo and Carlos Ragudo of A&C Health Care Services — fired eight union activists without just cause.

The Ragudos have denied the allegations and claim the workers were fired for just cause.

The union is also upset that the Ragudos reduced caregivers' health, retirement and paid time-off benefits. Now, employees must pay 50 percent of the cost of monthly health insurance premiums.

FULL story at link.