Sharp picketing ends, nurses still push for new contract  

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — With Sharp nurses concluding their three-day picket on Friday, organizers shared they are still seeking a new contract that addresses patient care, pay and sick leave. 

Nurses with the Sharp Professional Nurses Network (SPNN)—an affiliate of United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP)—started their picket across San Diego County on Wednesday.  

The union contract expired on Sept. 30. Nurses will have an emergency two-week contract extension starting on Oct. 22.  

“We are out here united, letting the community know that we’re fighting for a fair contract that includes fair market wages, more in alignment with our competitors Kaiser and UCSD,” Registered Nurse (RN) Alana Lawler said.  

Additionally, Sharp nurses are advocating to change their sick leave policy. Currently, staff can be penalized for using sick leave; full-time nurses are required to work a minimum of 10 weeks to earn enough sick leave for one shift, according to the union.  

The union said this policy leaves them with two choices “jeopardize their health and income, or put vulnerable patients at risk by exposing them to illness.” 

Sharp shared a statement, explaining work operations were not affected throughout the picket.  

“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.” 

While Sharp clarified the union has not called for a strike, some workers have said they are prepared if necessary. 

“If we need to take it to a strike, we are ready for it,” said Peggy Bowman, a 35-year nurse at Sharp. 

Union leaders also shared that management proposed removing medical coverage for retirees. 

“A nurse who retires before Medicare age after decades of grueling 12-hour shifts would lose access to Sharp health insurance,” the SPNN said.  

According to the SPNN, nurses wearing their union t-shirts in the emergency department were disciplined by Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. Many nurses' t-shirts read “Respect Nurses” or “Nurses are the Heart of Sharp.” 

Organizers shared that if nurses refused to change their shirts, they would be sent home without pay. 

“Wearing a union sticker or union logo is deemed unsafe for patients? It seems unsafe for patients to silence us this way,” Sharp Chula Vista RN Sara Buttar said.     

Managment offered nurses double-time pay to address nurses who left.  

Labor and Delivery RN Nieysha Richard shared they were born at a Sharp hospital and that their daughter, who was a preemie, was also born at Sharp Mary Birch. Richard said the nurses there inspired her to become a nurse.  

“Young nurses come in, and they look to us experienced nurses to guide them through the early part of their careers,” Richard said. 

“We need Sharp to value that,” Richards continued. “We serve our communities, taking care of their families, everyone’s families, as if they were our own. We’re working understaffed, underpaid, and without sick leave.” 

As negotiations continue, the union has scheduled bargaining sessions on Oct. 22, 24 and 29.