Dialysis workers picketing at over 31 clinics statewide, including in San Diego County 

EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Unionized dialysis caregivers are picketing on Wednesday to bring attention to their current working conditions.  

Dialysis workers represented by the SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West union will be picketing across 31 clinics in California to “demand a fair contract and draw attention to worsening conditions in dialysis care,” according to their press release. 

The group expects over 700 caregiver workers across the clinics to take part in Wednesday’s demonstration; this includes registered nurses, social workers, technicians and more, according to the union.  

Participating caregivers state that the companies they work for are “bargaining in bad faith, dragging out negotiations and refusing to address critical issues affecting patients and frontline healthcare workers,” their press release states. 

In San Diego County, workers will picket at Fresenius Kidney Care Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. 

“For years, we’ve been fighting to settle a contract that protects patients and respects caregivers,” U.S. Renal Registered Nurse Christine Delara said in the group’s press release. “These companies are dragging their feet and refusing to bargain in good faith. Meanwhile, dialysis continues to suffer because of short staffing. Every time a patient’s treatment is cut short for this reason, we put their life at risk. Dialysis corporations need to stop this!”