Orange County Global Nurses Ratify First Union Contract for Safety, Rights

Orange County Global Medical Center Nurses Secure Union Contract

On September 10, 2026, registered nurses at Orange County Global Medical Center in Santa Ana, California, voted decisively to ratify their inclusion in the union contract that covers KPC Health registered nurses under the California Nurses Association (CNA). This marks the first contract for nurses at this facility, providing them critical new safeguards aimed at enhancing patient safety and retaining nursing staff.

The unionization vote for these nurses took place just a few months prior, in June of this year.

“Winning our election by 91 percent and our contract ratification by 98 percent really is a testament to the power we have built,” stated Aiyana Rudolph, a registered nurse in the neuro direct observation unit. “I’m excited to continue this momentum as we fight and win more improvements across the hospital.”

Key Provisions of the Contract

• A grievance and arbitration procedure
• Establishment of a professional practice committee consisting of direct-care registered nurses to tackle ongoing workplace issues
• Job security and layoff rights to protect nurses in the event of workforce reductions and unit closures
• Economic benefits designed to retain and attract experienced nurses, including an average wage increase of 13 percent, weekend differentials, and bonuses for extra shifts
• Preservation of existing standards, conditions, and benefits without any reductions

The agreement will be in effect from September 2026 through June 2027.

The California Nurses Association represents over 900 nurses across five KPC hospitals.

The California Nurses Association/National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation, with over 100,000 members in more than 200 facilities throughout California, and more than 225,000 RNs nationwide.

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