On the eve of labor negotiations, Stanford Hospital and Stanford University workers will hold a rally and march at the hospital Monday to protest what the union calls an “exorbitant profit” at the hospital: $101 million in 2004.

The United Stanford Workers, who are members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 715, will meet at 11 a.m. on Sand Hill Road at Oak Road and then march to the hospital’s main entrance on Pasteur Drive. They are scheduled to be joined by Assemblyman Ira Ruskin, D-Redwood City, and Assemblywoman Sally Lieber, D-Mountain View.

SEIU will enter negotiations with Stanford Hospital in late September for a new labor contract.

Gayle Tiller, SEIU communications director, said that the hospital had a net income of $101 million in fiscal year 2004, just two years after having a net income of just $9.3 million.

“The final financial accounting for Stanford Hospital and Clinics for the fiscal year just ended on Aug. 31, 2005, is not yet available,” said Andrea Smith, media relations manager for the hospital. But those figures will be public when finalized, she added.

Smith did not comment on the reported 2004 income of $101 million.

She said the hospital, “in order to remain viable and operate responsibly we must reinvest our earnings not only in compensating our employees but also in patient care initiatives, upgrading our hospital facility and improving our information technology.”

Regarding the upcoming contract negotiations, Smith added, “Our hospital values the important work of our SEIU members and we look forward to reaching a fair and equitable agreement for all parties.”

— Don Kazak