8,000 Swedish caregivers announce intent to strike on Jan. 28

SEATTLE - Eight thousand unionized nurses and other caregivers at Swedish Medical Center announced they will strike in 10 days if management there does not address their concerns about under-staffing and patient safety issues during negotiations on a new labor contract.

In a roundtable briefing on Friday, Swedish caregivers represented by Service Employees International Union said their members are "unified in their intent" to strike beginning Jan. 28 if "proposals adequately addressing patient safety and staffing levels are not forthcoming."