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OAKLAND — On Tuesday, approximately 140 health care workers, who are members of the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, held a one day strike at the Santa Rita Jail and the North County jail in Oakland.

They were protesting against stagnant contract negotiations which stated that management wants its employees to pay for 30% of their own health care costs.

On Wednesday, the employees were locked out. 

Their fight pushed forward after protesters worked more than two months without a contract set in place. Further, they also wanted a new contract with the Tennessee-based prison Health Services company, which contracts with Alameda County. It provides both of these jails with staff and workers such as medical records tech’s and nurses.

Maxine Persky, a nurse at the Santa Rita jail stated, “It’s just another intimidation tactic… How is this bargaining in good faith?” She was told she wouldn’t be allowed back to work until next week. But she remains worried about the inmates. “That isn’t the easiest population to deal with. But we know the jail. We’re professionals.”

Nurses salaries are reportedly 25 to 64 percent higher at the jails than at other work sites located in the Bay area, Health Services officials say. 

Officials released a statement on Wednesday stating, it “will continue to fulfill its contract with the county and to maintain patient care through the use of temporary replacement employees through 6 a.m. March 16, or until we reach a settlement with the union, whichever comes first.”