A three-day strike involving nurses and other healthcare professionals from Sharp HealthCare in San Diego concluded on Saturday morning. The labor action took place at three of Sharp’s major facilities, drawing hundreds of participants demanding improved pay, safer conditions, and better staffing ratios.
According to the union representing the workers, the protests aimed to bring attention to ongoing staffing shortages that have left nurses overworked and patients underserved. Many participants emphasized that the primary concern was not just compensation but patient safety.
“All we want is to have enough hands to care for the people who rely on us,” said one registered nurse from Sharp Memorial Hospital.
Union leaders reported that talks with Sharp HealthCare management resumed during the strike. While no final contract agreement was announced, both sides signaled progress and the possibility of a resolution soon. The workers returned to their jobs after the planned three-day demonstration ended, allowing medical services to resume normal operations.
Sharp HealthCare stated that contingency staffing and planning ensured patient care continued during the strike, with no major disruptions reported. Many patients expressed appreciation for the staff’s commitment despite ongoing labor tensions. The San Diego community voiced support for healthcare workers’ demands, emphasizing the need for sustainable healthcare labor practices.
Union representatives announced that further negotiations would take place next week, focusing on wage adjustments and safety procedures. Both sides expressed hope for an agreement that reflects the workforce’s essential role during and beyond the pandemic.
“We’re ready to keep fighting for a fair contract,” one nurse added. “But we also want to get back to doing what we love — caring for our patients.”
Author summary: The three-day Sharp HealthCare strike ended with workers returning to duty as negotiations toward fair pay, staffing, and patient safety continue in San Diego.