San Diego, California — Hundreds of healthcare workers across California, including San Diego, began a six-day strike on Monday, citing labor rights violations. The workers, represented by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW), accuse employers of retaliating against caregivers and engaging in union-busting tactics.
The strike, scheduled from October 14 to October 19, spans 37 dialysis clinics operated by DaVita, Fresenius, Satellite, and U.S. Renal. Protesters are calling for an end to what they describe as unfair labor practices.
“Frontline healthcare workers shouldn’t have to strike, but when executives are violating labor laws and retaliating against caregivers, we’re left with no choice,” said Alice Isip, a patient care technician at Fresenius Kidney Care Gateway in San Diego.
Norma Rodriguez, a technician and strike leader, emphasized that workers demand respect for their labor rights. She noted that management has responded by violating labor laws instead of addressing their concerns.
According to SEIU-UHW, major dialysis corporations, such as DaVita and Fresenius, spend significant resources on anti-union efforts while reporting large profits. In response, Fresenius denied these claims, asserting its compliance with labor laws and dedication to patient care.
The strike will continue throughout the week at several locations, including two in San Diego: Fresenius Kidney Care Gateway East and U.S. Renal in Chula Vista.