A three-day strike involving approximately 5,700 registered nurses and 127 healthcare professionals at Sharp Healthcare concluded early Saturday morning. The strike, which began on November 22, 2023, at 07:00, saw participants picketing at three facilities in San Diego County: Grossmont, Chula Vista, and Kearny Mesa. Workers returned to their posts at 07:00 on November 25, having expressed concerns over staffing levels, patient safety, and the retention of experienced caregivers.
Nurses affiliated with the Sharp Professional Nurses Network, part of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, criticized Sharp executives for allegedly dismissing proposals aimed at improving conditions. “Sharp never expected thousands of nurses and healthcare professionals to stand up during Thanksgiving week and say ‘enough is enough,’” said Charmaine Morales, President of UNAC/UHCP. “We are showing a truth that Sharp cannot ignore.”
During the strike, healthcare workers aimed to emphasize their commitment to patient care. Morales noted that this was the first time members had to strike at Sharp Healthcare despite decades of service and loyalty. “We know why we show up, and know who we serve: our patients and our community first, always,” she stated.
In response to the strike, Erica Carlson, Senior Media and Public Relations Specialist for Sharp, acknowledged the dedication of staff members who continued to provide care during the disruption. She stated, “Sharp appreciates the commitment of the many team members, especially our nurse leaders, who worked tirelessly during this period to continue providing safe and high-quality care to our patients.”
Sharp Healthcare has proposed a new contract offering wage increases totaling more than 16% over four years. This includes minimum raises of 5%, 4%, 3.75%, and 3.5% for each year, respectively, for registered nurses who currently earn an average of over $77 per hour, plus benefits. Additionally, the proposal includes 70 hours of paid sick leave provided at the beginning of each year, allowing nurses time off for illness while enabling unused hours to carry over into future years.
Carlson emphasized that Sharp is committed to ensuring safe, high-quality healthcare for the San Diego community. “We believe our nurses deserve a strong and fair contract, and our patients and community members deserve to have us move forward together, without further disruption,” she added.
Negotiations between Sharp Healthcare and the union are set to resume on December 10 and 11, 2023. As both sides prepare to discuss the issues further, the outcome of these talks will be critical in determining the future of healthcare delivery in the region.
