? Patients at Stamford Hospital could be left to fend for themselves if union workers go on strike.

Workers are threatening to walk off the job for the second time since contract negotiations started last year. About 171 employees plan to picket in front of the hospital Wednesday through Friday. A hospital spokesperson says a strike would not impact business and striking workers would be replaced.

The union says it has rejected contract proposals because they do not provide favorable wage or pension increases. However, the hospital says it has not received any feedback from union leaders in the negotiations.