A union representing nurses at children’s hospitals is preparing for a five-day strike by more than 1,600 employees at Rady Children’s Hospital later this month, it was announced Friday.
Following failed negotiations between the hospital and the union, the United Nurses of Children’s Hospital Teamsters Local 1699 intends to begin a strike at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, August 19, and end it at 6:59 a.m. on Saturday, August 24.
“After members rejected the hospital’s last offer, we wanted to quickly return to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair contract for our 1,600 nurses,” said Katie Langenstrass, executive director of UNOCH 1699. “Despite clearly stating our demands, the hospital has once again refused to offer us the wage we demanded, forcing us to go back to the picket line.”
“Although the recent offer included some improvements, it was obvious that the hospital was trying to divide us by redistributing money from some members to others. This is unacceptable. As Teamsters, we stand united in our fight for a fair contract that benefits all nurses.”
Hospital representatives described the offer – the third to the union – as “fair, competitive and sustainable, allocating the available resources to the areas where we believe the greatest need exists.”
In response to UNOCH’s announcement of a 10-day strike, Rady is initiating a strike contingency plan to “ensure that the hospital can continue to be the pediatric safety net for the community’s children and families.”
Both sides say they are open to good faith negotiations with each other. The union may withdraw its 10-day notice before the strike begins.
UNOCH Teamsters Local 1699 represents professional nurses, therapists and technicians dedicated to the care of infants, children and their families.
