Nurses at San Diego-based Sharp HealthCare have voted to reject the health system's latest contract offer and authorize a potential strike, according to a Times of San Diego report.
The nurses are represented by the Sharp Professional Nurses Network. According to the union, 98 percent of 2,203 nurses who cast ballots voted to authorize a strike.
The Sharp nurses contend large wage increases are needed to prevent their colleagues from moving to other hospitals for better pay, according to the report. Sharp, for its part, has maintained that the health system's 2015 nurse turnover rates are lower than San Diego, Southern California and state turnover averages.
Nurses have asked for a 31 percent pay raise over the term of the next contract, while Sharp is offering a 16 to 26 percent pay raise over the contract term. The system’s proposed raise would be based on a nurses' experience, advancement and academic degree earned, Sharp officials have said.
The vote to authorize a strike does not mean a strike will take place. The Sharp Professional Nurses Network, an affiliate of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, would have to formally notify Sharp 10 days before a strike begins.
In the meantime, Sharp HealthCare said in a statement from the report the health system "is hopeful that both parties will come to a contract agreement before a strike notice is given or a strike commences."
"To ensure quality patient care Sharp is making comprehensive plans to prepare for a strike, which includes securing qualified replacement nurses," the health system added. "Sharp will be fully prepared to provide high-quality care to patients and family members if a nurse strike comes to fruition."
Sharp HealthCare is scheduled to meet with the union Tuesday.
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