Approximately 180 pharmacists and optometrists in D.C. and Virginia are joining the nationwide Kaiser strike.

Resident physicians demonstrated in a “Unity Break” in November with no work stoppage and patient needs still being met. Children’s National Hospital alleges they violated their “no-strike clause” by doing so.

Some bus services, including commuter routes to D.C. and routes connecting to the Silver Line, have been suspended.

“Every day I see our customers coming in asking, ‘Have you guys got your contract yet? How’s it going?’ And every day I’m sad to tell them that there’s been no progress.”

VRE and MARC commuter rail says to prepare for cancellations and to seek alternative travel. Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor should not be affected by the strike, but other routes might be.

The private contractor, Transdev, says it will try to provide as much service as possible with available alternate workforce, but the service will be limited

“You know, I felt that [the strike] wasn’t going to take that long because…we do move the city,” says one Circulator operator who has been driving for 13 years.

The labor union for over 300 nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and social workers also filed various unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board.

The faculty’s union has been in contract negotiations for nearly four years. Workers are fighting for better pay and hiring practices.

The organization behind D.C.’s overturned Initiative 77 plans to hold similar strikes across the country this week.