Welcome to the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce

For Immediate Release:                                          For More Information:
March 27, 2008                                                          Rick Wells, President and CEO
                                                                                    Vallejo Chamber of Commerce
                                                                                    (707) 644-5551
                                                                                    rick@vallejochamber.com

Vallejo Chamber Voices Concern Regarding Costly CNA Strikes

Says Union’s 10-Day Strike Will Needlessly Drive Up the Cost of Health Care for
Small Businesses and Consumers

The Vallejo Chamber of Commerce today expressed concern about the California Nurses Association third strike in less than six months at Sutter Solano Medical Center in Vallejo along with several other Bay Area hospitals affiliated with Sutter Health. The union’s strike is scheduled to last 10 days.

“The availability of high quality and affordable health care is critical to the business community and our entire economy ― particularly here in Solano County,” said Chamber president and CEO Rick Wells. “Strikes do not improve the quality of care patients receive, but they do increase the cost of care for businesses and our entire community.” Wells pointed to other media reports that indicated that strikes can cost a hospital the size of Sutter Solano Medical Center upwards of $100,000 per day ― meaning the union’s strike could cost the hospital ― and ultimately consumers ― upward of one million dollars.

“Solano County’s health care system is already fragile due to a significant increase in the number of under-and uninsured patients this past year,” Board Chair, Freda Dill added. “Sutter Solano Medical Center serves the lion’s share of these needy patients and the hospital has already lost several millions dollars over the past few years fulfilling this mission.”

The Vallejo Chamber applauded Sutter Solano Medical Center for being a model employer. “Not only does Sutter Solano Medical Center provide the lion’s share of care to our under- and uninsured population, but they provide a fantastic wage and benefit plan to their employees,” said Dill. According to information from the hospital, full-time nurses at Sutter Solano Medical Center can make more than $110,000 per year, receive no-cost health benefits for themselves and their families, a generous pension plan and a retiree healthcare account to help them pay for health care after retirement.

“Another strike is clearly not necessary, nor is it in the best interest of employees, patients or our community. We encourage the union to call off this disruptive and costly strike,” concluded Dill.