Nurses Plan To Strike at Rady Children’s Hospital, For The First Time Ever

For the first time in history, nurses at Rady Children’s Hospital have voted to authorize a strike. After months of fruitless negotiations, the United Nurses of Children’s Hospital (UNOCH) union has authorized a 48-hour strike at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, starting on July 22nd if the hospital does not agree to the terms of the tentative agreement. The key sticking point revolves around salary increases, with the union demanding substantial raises over three years, while the hospital’s offer falls short of their expectations.

According to the UNOCH website, the proposed across-the-board raises total 16% over the next 3 years (8% in the first year, 4% in the second year, and 4% in the third year). In addition to these raises, annual step increases are also included, resulting in the following:

• RNs receiving three yearly step increases will get over a 23.5% raise over the next 3 years.
• RNs receiving two step increases over the next 3 years will receive a 21% raise.
• RNs receiving one step increase over the next 3 years will receive an 18.5% raise.
• RNs at the top of the pay scale will receive either an 18.5% raise (if they reached the top in January 2024) or a 21% raise (if they reached the top before January 2024).

With approximately 1,500 nurses expected to participate in the two-day walkout, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on patient care during the strike. Rady Children’s Hospital has told local news that contingency plans are in place to minimize disruptions, including bringing in replacement nurses to work during the strike. 

“These nurses do not want to go on strike. They do not want the children and families of San Diego to be worried about coming to the hospital. They do not want their chronic families to be concerned that they will not receive the same amazing care they get at every visit. These nurses simply want to be given the means to support themselves so they can continue to support the patients and families that they love,” a Rady nurse told Nurse.org, the nurse chose to remain anonymous.

A Long-Standing Wage Dispute

The wage dispute between UNOCH and Rady Children’s Hospital is not a new issue. In fact, it has been simmering for several years.

According to UNOCH, the hospital’s nurses have not received a significant wage increase in years, despite the rising cost of living in the San Diego area. The union argues that this has led to a brain drain, with experienced nurses leaving for better-paying jobs at other hospitals or even leaving the profession altogether.

As the strike date approaches, both sides have expressed a willingness to return to the negotiating table in an effort to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. However, the prospects for a resolution remain uncertain, with neither party appearing willing to budge on their respective positions.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Rady Children’s Hospital and UNOCH, with the hope that a resolution can be reached that satisfies both the nurses’ demands for fair compensation and the hospital’s need to maintain financial stability.