More than 2,000 healthcare workers launched a 24-hour strike up and down California today, calling on the Daughters of Charity Health System to improve patient care.

Caregivers represented by SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West organized the strike in response to what they claim are "continued attempts to undermine the voice of caregivers in how quality care is delivered, and to protest a series of unfair labor practices committed by management, including the failure of hospital administration to bargain in good faith."

The strike began at 6 a.m. and will continue for 24 hours at five different hospitals in California: St. Francis Medical Center near Los Angeles, Seton Medical Center in Daly City, Seton Coastside in Moss Beach, St. Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy, and O'Connor Hospital in San Jose.

Caregivers at the five hospitals have been in negotiations for a new contract since March.