More than 12,000 U.C. Medical Workers hit the picket lines across the state Thursday.
In Los Angeles, workers in their green and yellow-colored shirts paced the street and held their picket signs high.
There was a different dress code in San Diego, but a similarly sized crowd marched. U.C. San Diego Medical Centers says they had to cancel almost 200 surgeries and delayed other procedures because of the strike.
Protesters here in Sacramento carried the same strong message, that they are there for their patients, family and future.
In response, the U.C. Davis Health System issued a statement. “Our patients’ safety and security remain our top priority and we will continue to provide patients with the high quality care they expect to receive from us.”
A big issue of contention between the parties is wages. Striking workers say the U.C. system insists on below-market wages. U.C. officials say they are being fair and reasonable in negotiations.
Kimberly Easton filed this report.