San Diego nurses at Sharp HealthCare are preparing for a potential strike after an overwhelming majority authorized the action. Union officials reported that 97% of nurses from the Sharp Professional Nurses Network and Sharp Chula Vista voted in favor of the strike authorization. This decision, announced on October 6, 2025, comes amid ongoing negotiations regarding pay and working conditions.
The nurses have expressed concerns over several key issues, including the need for better compensation, improved sick leave policies, and sufficient staffing levels to ensure patient safety. The unions have given Sharp HealthCare officials a 10-day notice regarding a possible walkout, although negotiations are scheduled for next week on October 11 and 12.
In a statement, Sharp HealthCare acknowledged the vote but emphasized that it does not guarantee an imminent strike. The organization stated, “While this vote does not mean a strike will occur immediately, it does reflect the significance of the issues being discussed at the bargaining table.” Sharp HealthCare also highlighted the competitive salaries currently offered to its nurses, noting that the average pay exceeds $77 per hour, in addition to benefits.
Despite this, union representatives argue that the current proposals do not adequately address their concerns. They assert that after 14 negotiation sessions, the discussions have not yielded satisfactory results. “Ultimately, any strike would be about protecting our patients, our profession, and our licenses,” a union spokesperson stated. “We have been losing nurses to better-paying hospitals. At the same time, we’ve been negotiating to attract and retain nurses so that we can provide the quality of care we used to and want to be able to provide again.”
The stakes are high for both the nurses and the healthcare system in San Diego. As negotiations continue, the potential for a strike raises significant questions about patient care and the working conditions for healthcare professionals. The outcome of the upcoming bargaining sessions will be closely watched by both sides and the wider community.
