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.”

The goal was to clean up the street-level drug dealers and keep the narcotics off the streets. Oakland Police Chief Anthony Batts said ultimately, officials will aim for the “big fish,” but first have to identify any key players. Batts  also stated, “I’ve asked the Oakland PD to focus on drugs, guns and gangs in order to save lives.”

On Monday, 120 police officers went in search for 101 known and wanted dealers. The results came in at 42 arrests of some of those targeted.  Additionally, 30 more were arrested on suspicion of either narcotics or firearm possession, violation of parole and other warrants.

Those who participate in the world of drug dealing  may take precursory measures by giving incorrect identification, false addresses, court records or false paperwork to the DMV. Officer Scott Seder stated, “They know they’ll be sought out by law enforcement at some point… getting correct addresses is only one of many challenges in policing the drug trade.”

He further explained, “A narcotic transaction us usually done in under three seconds. I t can look like a brief two-hand handshake. So to get a really good, solid case for sales, you have to get someone selling to a cop.”

Moving forward, the Oakland Police Department plans to continue their sweep by issuing further search warrants and getting the rest of the accused drug dealers permanently off the streets.