Nurses at Rady Children’s Hospital Vote to Strike Amid Contract Dispute

San Diego, CA — Nurses at Rady Children’s Hospital have voted to authorize a strike from July 22 to July 24, following months of unsuccessful contract negotiations. The decision comes after the United Nurses of Children’s Hospital (UNOCH), the Teamsters union representing over 1,500 nurses, announced the vote on July 11. The union’s leadership delivered a 10-day notice to the hospital, as required by federal labor law, signaling their intent to walk off the job

Reasons for the Strike

The primary issues at the heart of the dispute include demands for fair wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions. Union leaders argue that despite Rady Children’s Hospital’s operating revenue reaching $1.6 billion in 2023, the hospital continues to underpay its nurses. Many nurses reportedly struggle with the high cost of living in San Diego and have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.Katie Langenstrass, Executive Director of UNOCH Teamsters Local 1699, stated, “Rady Children’s Hospital has forced our hand. Our members are passionate about their work and their patients. However, the hospital’s persistent undervaluation of their dedication and skill has left us no choice”.

Impact on Patient Care

The strike is expected to have significant implications for patient care at San Diego County’s only pediatric hospital. Union officials have highlighted that the high turnover rate among nurses, driven by better-paying opportunities elsewhere, disrupts patient care and places undue strain on the remaining staff. Marie Wahl, a registered nurse at Rady Children’s Hospital, emphasized that the strike is about more than wages; it is about ensuring consistent and quality patient care.

Hospital’s Response

Rady Children’s Hospital administration had proposed a three-year contract that would increase the average nurse’s salary by 22% over the period, but this offer was rejected by the union. The hospital has yet to comment on the impending strike, but it will likely lead to longer wait times, rescheduled appointments, and potential disruptions in critical care services.

Next Steps

With the strike date set, both the union and hospital administration have a limited window to negotiate and potentially avert the walkout. Previous last-minute negotiations in similar situations have sometimes resulted in breakthroughs, preventing strikes from taking place.As the strike date approaches, the San Diego community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that balances the needs of the nurses with the imperative of providing uninterrupted, high-quality care for the children who depend on Rady Children’s Hospital.