This will be the fourth strike since September organized by the California Nurses Association, which has its headquarters in Oakland.

The union and Sutter Health's management have been negotiating for more than a year. Labor leaders say sticking points include sick pay and reductions in employee benefits.

Union officials said respiratory, X-ray and other technicians will join the striking nurses at the Sutter medical centers. The union has recently reached a contract agreement with Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa and has a tentative settlement at Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport.

Nurses at Petaluma Valley Hospital, which is part of the St. Joseph Health System in Orange County, will participate in Wednesday's labor action.

Union leaders accuse hospital administrators of making proposals that would reduce professional nursing practices and patient care standards. [Read complete article at the San Francisco Chronicle]