On Monday, nurses employed by MedStar Washington Hospital went on strike protesting unsafe conditions, understaffing and low pay. In a statement the hospital said that while approximately 500 nurses picketed outside on Monday, 70% of the employed nurses reported in for work. The hospital cannot allow the nurses who participated in the strike to return to work for 10 days due to a contract the hospital signed regarding replacement workers.
See "Nurses at MedStar Washington Hospital Center Strike Monday", Julie Zauzmer, The Washington Post, December 22, 2014