Filipinos recently joined other health workers from 37 DaVita, Fresenius, Satellite, and U.S. Renal dialysis clinics throughout California as they walked off their jobs

They said their employers are retaliating against them for trying to draw attention to poor working conditions in their respective facilities.

Gloria, a registered dialysis nurse said they were only fighting for their rights.

"We have a staff shortage," she said, "And, of course, the pay rate for the workers is an issue. That’s why we're here: short staffing and unfair labor practices."

The workers, represented by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, said they also went on strike on behalf of their patients.

They argued that patients will not receive the care that they need if the dialysis centers are short-staffed.

"We have to watch our patients and can’t leave them alone," said Gloria. "You need to be monitoring them. Sometimes they’ll pass out. We have to give our full care and attention."

Two of the major dialysis centers involved in the issue have since issued statements to ABS-CBN News' North America bureau.

DaVita Kidney Care said it has supported workers' right to unionize in the past.

It said negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement has yet to begin between management and employees, and the strike would not speed up the process.

Fresenius Medical Care, meanwhile, said the National Labor Board has never found it in violation of any labor laws.

It also pledged to continue negotiating in good faith with employees to reach agreements that are fair for workers.