Press Release

Registered nurses encouraged by Alameda Board of Supervisors’ proposed steps to remove Alameda Health System Board of Trustees following five-day strike

Nurses hold signs "Nurses Essential to Patient Care"

Registered nurses at San Leandro Hospital and Alameda Hospital say they are encouraged that the Alameda Board of Supervisors (BOS) has taken the first steps to address the dysfunction and chaos which jeopardizes the safety of nurses and patients at Alameda Health System hospitals, announced California Nurses Association (CNA) today.

“While we are disappointed that it took a five-day strike to get the Board of Supervisors to take action, we are encouraged they are taking the first steps to remove the Alameda Health System Board of Trustees and clear the way to address the multitude of problems that exist throughout the system,” said Lisa LaFave, a registered nurse at San Leandro Hospital. “However, we are very clear that we have much work ahead. The BOS must take concrete action to address management’s failed response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the persistent short-staffing issues, and the punitive and retaliatory actions taken against nurses who advocate for improvements to patient care.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the Alameda Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on a proposal that would lead to resignation or removal of all of the Alameda Health System Board of Trustees by the end of the month. With the removal of the AHS Board of Trustees, nurse negotiators are hopeful they will be able to continue contract negotiations directly with the BOS.

“Hopefully, the Board of Supervisors’ takeover of negotiations will put an end to the bargaining in bad faith that has stalled contract negotiations for almost two years,” said Karen Rothblatt, a registered nurse at Alameda Hospital.

“We are hopeful that a complete governance takeover by BOS will result in establishing a true public health system that will address the health care needs of everyone in Alameda County, including our Black and Latinx communities, who depend on AHS for care,” said Mawata Kamara, a registered nurse at San Leandro Hospital.

“We look forward to reaching a contract agreement that will ensure the highest standard of care for our patients, many of whom are the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Rothblatt.

The nurses at San Leandro Hospital and Alameda Hospital held a five-day strike earlier this month, and a one-day strike last fall in an effort to secure a contract that addresses the patient safety needs of the community.

AHS is made up of three hospitals: San Leandro Hospital, Alameda Hospital, and Highland Hospital in Oakland. CNA represents nurses at both San Leandro Hospital and Alameda Hospital. The Highland Hospital nurses are represented by SEIU 1021.