When County Hospital in California encountered a 5-day union strike during a time of financial strain, leadership knew that maintaining safety was crucial—but not at the cost of trust. The hospital’s existing security provider wasn’t equipped to manage a labor strike, which could easily spiral into confrontation. That’s when Spade Security Services was called in.

Instead of adopting a show-of-force approach, Spade recommended a low-profile, safety-first strategy. We understood that a heavy-handed response could deepen resentment and harm the hospital’s relationship with its staff long after the strike ended. Our team quickly deployed a customized strike security plan built on respect, neutrality, and de-escalation.

Key actions included:

• Using non-threatening uniforms for all deployed officers

• Vehicle patrol with 24/7 monitoring

• Maintaining a calm, visible presence at picket lines and entrances

• Ensuring safe access for patients, visitors, and non-striking staff

• Collaborating with union leaders and local law enforcement

• Monitoring for potential threats without interfering with the protest

We also optimized operations by:

• Strategically rotating officer shifts to avoid unnecessary overtime

• Implementing surveillance tech to reduce manpower needs

• Charging only for actual hours worked, not fixed daily rates

The results spoke for themselves: no injuries, no property damage, and mutual respect maintained. Union leaders appreciated our non-intrusive stance, while hospital administrators credited Spade with keeping operations secure and stable.

This case illustrates how security doesn’t have to be aggressive to be effective. With the right strategy and a human-focused approach, even the most delicate labor disputes can be managed with professionalism and dignity.