INFORMATIONAL PICKET FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: What is an informational picket?

Answer: Picketing is a visible, public demonstration of our union solidarity. It shows ScionHealth leadership that you and your coworkers are committed to one another and are holding the line on issues we care about. Unlike a strike, hospital business continues as usual during an informational picket. Nurses would continue to report for work, and would participate in the picket during non-work hours (i.e., before/after a shift)

Q: WHY ARE STAFF PICKETING?

A: We’re still far apart on key issues related to patient care, workload, retention of Nurses, and staffing.  Informational pickets are a powerful demonstration of our union solidarity–but only if they are supported by a strong majority of staff. Engaging in informational picketing will alert our patients and the community to the fact that we are striving to demand change at Kindred Ontario.

Q: IS IT LEGAL TO PICKET AT KINDRED HOSPITAL ONTARIO?

A: Absolutely!  In the hospital setting unions are required to provide 10-days’ notice to ScionHealth prior to engaging in a strike, picket, or work stoppage. Staff picketed at Kindred Ontario three years ago to demand change. On Tuesday June 23, 2026, we’ll do it again.

Q: I WANT TO SUPPORT MY COWORKERS IN WINNING A GREAT CONTRACT & IMPROVING WORKING CONDITIONS AT MY HOSPITAL. WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS?

A: Our Right to Picket: The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and California State law both protect your right to peacefully picket to publicize bargaining disputes. The U.S. Supreme Court has stated that peaceful picketing designed to inform and persuade the public is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. Under federal law, you cannot be fired for participating in a protected strike or picketing against your employer.