Nearly 5,000 nurses in Northern California have begun a two-day strike against 15 Hospitals. Kellia Ramares has more from Oakland, California.

By Kellia Ramares

Nurses represented by the California Nurses Association have struck hospitals belonging to the Sutter chain in the San Francisco Bay Area. They are also striking two hospitals belonging to the Freemont Rideout chain in the Sacramento area, where nurses are seeking their first contracts. CNA spokesperson, Chuck Idelson speaking from a picket line, outlined the main issues:

[Idelson] "Make sure the patients get what they need when they need it. There is also concerns about Sutter proposals to reduce healthcare coverage for registered nurses, we’re also concerned about continuing hospital care in underserved communities."

Although the nurses have only called for a two-day walkout, some of the hospitals have signed contracts for replacement workers that will leave strikers locked out three additional days.