While taking responsibility for managing hazardous and biological waste, county officials today said private contractors – not hospital employees – had been hired to handle hazardous and medical waste identified by the DA.
Regional Medical Center is owned by for-profit HCA Healthcare, which earlier this month closed East San Jose's only Level II Trauma Center, citing financial pressure. The county pledged to keep it open if the hospital becomes part of the Santa Clara Valley Healthcare System.
The nurses' union says county management failed to bargain in good faith around working conditions and safety issues that impact nurses and patient care.
The Registered Nurses Professional Association said 97% of its members – whose contract expired Oct. 29 – voted to authorize a strike if no agreement is reached on union demands for better working conditions, pay raises and improved benefits.
