SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The Rady Children's Hospital nurses started hitting the picket line Monday morning. The union representing the nurses recently turned down the hospital's offer of a 25% pay bump over the next three years.
The executive director for UNOCH Teamsters Local 1699 says this is the first time they've ever gone on strike. On Sunday, both sides thought they had a deal and would avoid the strike, but late last night, union members voted the agreement down.
In a statement on its website, the union says, "The past two weeks have been difficult, but they believe their unity in this strike will have a big impact."
Per the union's strike playbook, the strike officially began when the night shift walked out Monday morning. Union members are asking for a 30% raise over the next three years.
One nurse on the picket line also says they need better medical benefits.
"We have one of the worst packages in San Diego county among other healthcare workers," Alexandra Seanez said. "Our premiums have gone up 34% in the last three years; the co-pays are getting higher."
The hospital said Sunday night's rejected offer also included a base pay market adjustment.
Dr. Patrick Frias, President and CEO of Rady Children's Hospital, said the hospital used competitive market data and surveys conducted by the California Hospital Association to develop its offer for the nurses.
"We knew there was going to be a little bit of catch-up coming into the contract," Frias said. "That's why the first year was front-loaded with a higher increase, and we also know that with the first-year adjustments alone, that puts our nurses among the higher-paid nurses in the San Diego region.
Frias also said the hospital's benefits package covers 75% of the nurse's medical benefits, and all their plans are in network with Radys.
The hospital says it has 600 replacement nurses on standby for Monday's strike. According to the union, roughly 1,600 nurses will be on strike across the Rady hospital system.
The strike is scheduled to last until 8 p.m. Tuesday.
@abc10news The nurses of Rady Children's Hospital have begun a strike after rejecting a 25% pay increase over three years. They are demanding a 30% raise and better medical benefits. #relatable #news #foryou #foryoupage #strike #nurse #hospital #union #labor #employment #sandiego #sandiego10news ♬ original sound - ABC 10News San Diego
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