Nurses will strike over Ebola protocols at Kaiser hospitals

Nurses represented by the California Nurses Association are planning a two-day strike starting Tuesday at Kaiser Permanente hospitals and clinics.

The union claims the Oakland-based health care system has ignored its concerns that the hospitals lack protocols to protect nurses against Ebola. About 18,000 nurses could participate in the labor action at Kaiser’s 66 hospitals and clinics, the union said.

No cases of Ebola have been reported in California as the epidemic continues in West Africa.

In a statement, Kaiser said the union is in contract talks on behalf of nurses working at its health facilities. The strike is scheduled from 7 a.m. Tuesday to 6:59 a.m. Thursday.

Some appointments and elective procedures for patients Tuesday and Wednesday may be rescheduled because of the strike, Kaiser said. The affected patients will be contacted.

Kaiser’s hospitals, urgent care facilities, clinics, pharmacies and laboratories will remain open during the strike through staffing arrangements.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this strike may cause and appreciate your understanding as our discussions with the nurses’ union continue,” Kaiser said.

This story was originally published November 9, 2014 at 8:35 PM with the headline "Nurses will strike over Ebola protocols at Kaiser hospitals."