USC Verdugo Hills workers prepare to strike over staffing and wage disputes

The Glendale City Council meeting on April 15, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding staffing and working conditions at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. Healthcare workers voiced their frustrations over inadequate health plans, understaffing, and regressive wage proposals from hospital administration, prompting a vote to authorize a strike.

Union representatives emphasized the dire situation faced by hospital staff, who are struggling to maintain safe staffing levels while providing quality care to community members. They called on council members to support their cause by engaging in discussions and advocating for better working conditions. The urgency of the matter was underscored by the fact that many workers are forced to take on excessive overtime, leading to burnout and potential risks to patient safety.

Noemi Galvan, a CT technician with 16 years of experience at the hospital, shared her personal experiences of being compelled to work long shifts without adequate breaks, which she argued compromises both patient care and staff safety. She expressed disappointment over the lack of response from hospital management regarding these critical issues.

Bona Ko, an ultrasound technician, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the unsustainable workload and the disparity in wages compared to other hospitals. She noted that the hospital's last wage proposal was lower than previous offers, further fueling the workers' decision to consider striking.

Additionally, concerns were raised about the broader implications of understaffing in essential services, including the maintenance of streetlights and other public utilities. Workers from various sectors urged the council to appoint a general manager to facilitate better negotiations and address staffing shortages.

The meeting concluded with a call for solidarity from the council members, as healthcare workers seek to secure fair contracts and improve conditions for themselves and the patients they serve. The situation remains critical, with the potential for a strike looming as negotiations continue.