Striking Workers Injured In Bizzare Picket Line Incident

Striking Workers Injured In Bizzare Picket Line Incident
http://www.nbc11.com/news/7618098/detail.html?treets=bay&tid=2653444191813&tml=bay_12pm&tmi=bay_12pm_1_02050303022006&ts=H
POSTED: 9:57 am PST March 2, 2006
UPDATED: 12:13 pm PST March 2, 2006


CASTRO VALLEY, Calif. -- Two bizarre incidents left two striking workers at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley with minor injuries Thursday morning.

One woman was punched and sprayed with pepper spray and a man was struck by a car around 7 a.m., according to SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West spokeswoman Thea Lavin.

Lavin said strikers were actively picketing and getting loud before the incidents occurred.

Neither of the injured picketers was hospitalized for their injuries.


According to Lavin, a security guard hired by the hospital was responsible for using the pepper spray.

But sheriff's Sgt. Dan Murray said security guards were not involved in the incident. He said the pepper spray was used by a cleaning lady trying to get to work.

The sheriff's office is investigating the incidents and will submit reports to the district attorney's office.

Nursing assistants, clerical workers, vocational nurses, and other hospital employees are holding a seven day strike to protest what they describe as the hospital's unfair labor practices.

Both of the injured picketers will speak, along with doctors from Eden Medical Center and other striking workers, at a noon rally.

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Copyright 2006 by NBC11.com. Bay City News contributed to this report.