SAN DIEGO \u2014 It\u2019s shaping up to be a tense week for healthcare workers across San Diego. Multiple picketing demonstrations \u2014 and even strikes \u2014 are planned at Sharp HealthCare and Kaiser Permanente hospitals, beginning Tuesday and continuing through the weekend.<\/p>\n
At Sharp, more than 5,700 nurses, a part of the United Nurses Associations of California\/ Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC\/UHCP), are preparing to picket for three days before returning to the bargaining table. On Monday, workers gathered to make signs, taping and stapling them to sticks as they prepared to demand higher wages, stronger benefits, and changes to workplace policies.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re asking for meaningful raises for everyone, including experienced nurses,\u201d said registered nurse Dani Begley, who also wants to see improvements to Sharp\u2019s sick leave policy. Begley said she was written up for ‘excessive absence’ after calling out sick with COVID-19 for just one day.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt made me want to support the younger nurses who may be afraid to stand up for themselves,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Sharp HealthCare said it plans to remain fully staffed during the picketing and remains \u201ccommitted to reaching a fair and responsible contract for nurses.\u201d<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n