Sharp Healthcare Workers Strike for Patient Care and Better Contracts

Sharp Healthcare Workers Strike for Better Conditions

In a powerful display of unity, Sharp Healthcare's workforce in San Diego engaged in a three-day strike over the Thanksgiving period. The event saw 5,700 nurses, along with other healthcare professionals, standing firm in their demand for improved working conditions and contract terms.

The healthcare workers, primarily members of the Sharp Professional Nurses Network (SPNN), affiliated with the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), are challenging Sharp management for a contract that adequately supports patient care. Frustrations have been building after 20 rounds of negotiations failed to yield satisfactory terms.

Among the critical issues are proposals that could lead to staff undervaluation, inadequate benefits, and a controversial two-tier wage system. Additionally, 127 other healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and occupational therapists, joined the strike, emphasizing the widespread demand for change across three protest locations.

UNAC/UHCP President Charmaine Morales, RN, an AFSCME vice president, highlighted the workers' resolve, stating, "Sharp may have forgotten its mission, but we sure haven't. We are showing a truth that Sharp cannot ignore, when nurses and health care professionals rise, the entire county feels it."

The health professionals are also protesting against what they describe as the illegal revocation of retiree medical benefits and are seeking a meaningful say in the patient care they provide. With the momentum of the strike, the workers plan to reconvene with management later this month to push for better terms.

Previously, on October 15, Sharp's staff rallied in San Diego to draw attention to management's unsatisfactory proposals. Key issues highlighted include:

• Proposed wage structures where some registered nurses might not receive raises in certain years;
• Plans to eliminate retiree medical benefits;
• Insufficient sick leave provisions, posing risks to both nurses and patients.