TACOMA, Wash. — The largest hospital is St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma. The other is St. Claire Hospital in Lakewood.
Workers said they are upset about rising healthcare costs, staffing issues and contract negotiations that have gone on for more than a year.
Some have said the company hasn't replaced workers when they've left, and patient care is suffering as a result.
They want better health benefits and claim the company that owns the hospitals, CHI Franciscan, isn't bargaining in good faith.
So workers want to send a message with a one-day strike.
The workers who walked out include nursing assistants, secretaries, dietary aides, housekeepers and others.
There are roughly 1,100 workers participating in the strike.
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