Hundreds of nursing home workers are on strike across southwestern Connecticut.

Employees at five nursing homes, including Long Ridge in Stamford, West River Health Care Center in Milford, Westport Health Care Center and Danbury Health Care Center say they are protesting labor concessions forced by management.

They claim the owners illegally pushed through a contract that cuts hours and increased insurance costs.

Employees say management is trying not to use workers with seniority to keep costs down.

A company spokesman says the union is asking for too much.