Kaiser and Sutter Health registered nurses in Manteca, Modesto, and Tracy as well as elsewhere in Northern California are starting a two-day strike today protesting what they contend is “eroding patient care conditions symbolized by inadequate Ebola safeguards at most U.S. hospitals.”

Kaiser spokesmen dispute claims that the hospital system doesn’t have adequate Ebola safeguards in place.

Kaiser nurses are currently in contract negotiations and contend the strike has nothing to do with them.

Picketers will be in front of various Kaiser and Sutter Health hospitals today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Wednesday a rally will take place at the Kaiser headquarters in Oakland and at that city’s federal building. Picketing also will take place at other hospitals throughout California on Wednesday.