SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — More than 2,200 nurses and health care workers at four Prime Healthcare hospitals in California, Nevada and Illinois plan to begin a coordinated, one-day strike Thursday, Sept 3, over concerns about staffing, patient care and alleged retaliation, according to the California Nurses Association.
The California Nurses Association (CNA) / National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC), an affiliate of National Nurses United, says the strike involves workers at Shasta Regional Medical Center in Redding, West Anaheim Medical Center in Anaheim, Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital in Chicago and Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada.
The union says workers gave at least 10 days’ notice, allowing hospitals time to make alternative patient care plans.
READ MORE | Nurses, health care workers at Shasta Regional Medical Center strike again in 2026
Nurses at Olympia Fields Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital in the Chicago area are also protesting what the union describes as the suspension of nurses who speak up for patients. The union says nurses at those hospitals and a Prime facility in Maine have filed petitions with the National Labor Relations Board to hold union elections.
Workers at the California and Nevada hospitals have been without contracts since last year, according to the union. The union is seeking improved staffing, incentives to retain nurses and health care workers, and protections for nurses who advocate for patients.
“Nurses and the care we provide are the heart and soul, the foundation, of our hospitals,” said Michelle Gaffney, an intensive care unit registered nurse at Shasta Regional Medical Center. “In order to do our jobs well, we need safe RN staffing and we need a strong contract to not just attract but keep experienced nurses.”
Strike schedules include:
Shasta Regional Medical Center: 6 a.m. Thursday, Sept 3. to 5:59 a.m. Friday, Sept 4, at 1100 Butte St. in Redding.West Anaheim Medical Center: 7 a.m. Thursday, Sept 3. to 6:59 a.m. Friday Sept 4, at 3033 W. Orange Ave. in Anaheim.Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center: 6:45 a.m. Thursday, Sept 3, to 6:44 a.m. Friday, Sept 4, at 235 W. Sixth St. in Reno.
CNA/NNOC says nurses at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Shasta Regional Medical Center previously held one-day strikes in February during contract disputes.
The union also points to Prime’s finances and recent hospital service cuts, alleging the company has reduced services after acquiring hospitals despite reporting significant revenue. It says Prime Healthcare generated an estimated $4.4 billion in revenue in 2024, while Prime Healthcare Foundation reported $1.4 billion in revenue in an audited report.
Prime announced September 1 that it plans to cut obstetric services at hospitals in Joliet, Aurora and Chicago and consolidate them at Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital in Chicago and Olympia Fields Hospital, according to the union.
A hospital spokesperson issued the following statement about the strike:
“Shasta Regional Medical Center has bargained in good faith with the unions representing some of its nurses and staff, with the goal of reaching an agreement that supports our employees while protecting our ability to provide safe, high-quality care to the patients and community we serve. Shasta Regional Medical Center has already implemented wage increases that will provide millions of dollars in additional compensation to our nurses and staff over the next three years. These investments reflect our commitment to recognizing and rewarding the dedication of our nursing professionals and staff. The wage increases, along with comprehensive benefits, have been included in proposals presented during negotiations. Despite these significant investments and continued efforts to reach an agreement, the unions have elected to proceed with a strike. This decision is particularly concerning given the extraordinary demands currently being placed on healthcare providers. Regardless of the unions’ actions, the hospital will remain fully open and appropriately staffed with qualified healthcare professionals to ensure patients continue to receive safe, high-quality care. The planned one-day strike is not expected to disrupt patient care, and our hospital will continue providing the essential services our community depends on. Our priority is clear: caring for our patients, supporting our employees, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality. Shasta Regional Medical Center has served this community for generations, and we will continue to be here when our patients and community need us most.”
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