Sharp nurses picketing for patient care, better working conditions

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- In attempts to reach a contract that improves patient care, pay and working conditions, nurses with Sharp HealthCare are picketing across San Diego on Wednesday.  

These nurses are represented by the Sharp Professional Nurses Network (SPNN), an affiliate of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) — the same union representing Kaiser Permanente workers on strike.  

Their current contract expired on Sept. 30, and now thousands of nurses are preparing to picket for three days. Nurses are picketing at Sharp Metro Campus, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center and Sharp Grossmont Hospital.  

“If you see us out there, we’re fighting for the patient care and safety that you and your loved ones deserve from the largest healthcare provider in the region,” Registered Nurse and President of SPNN Andrea Muir said.  

The union states that staff is paid below market rate and are struggling to support themselves “in one of the most expensive cities in the country.”  

Staff also said that workers are penalized for using their sick leave. Nurses are required to work a minimum of 10 weeks to earn enough sick leave for one shift, according to the union.  

“We want sick time that is realistic and does not put ourselves or our patients in jeopardy,” ICU Nurse Jonathan Argento said. “This picket is how we all stand together and bring our demands out into the community to get support.” 

Sharp Leadership also suggested cutting their Registered Nurse Advisory Committees (RNACs) earlier in negotiations before hearing testimony from staff, according to the SPNN.    

In a statement, Sharp clarified that these nurses are not on strike and that they will remain fully staffed as contract negotiations continue.  

“Sharp is currently in contract negotiations with UNAC, the union which represents our registered nurses. The union informed us of plans to conduct informational pickets this week related to these negotiations.   

These pickets are not a strike, and the union has not called for a strike, unlike a strike, picketing events do not involve a work stoppage. Sharp remains fully staffed and is continuing to provide the high-quality care our community members need and deserve. We remain committed to a fair and responsible contract for our nurses.” 

The SPNN will also be joined by 125 Chula Vista Sharp licensed professionals, who have been negotiating since February to establish their contract.  

The informational picket occurs while over 3,000 Kaiser workers in the San Diego area are on strike as workers attempt to reach a contract.  

“The only way to fight for you is to also fight for ourselves,” Muir said.