1,600 Nurses Win Wage Increases, Reduced Medical Costs After Successful Two-Day Strike

(SAN DIEGO) – Nurses at Rady Children’s Hospital, represented by United Nurses of Children’s Hospital (UNOCH) Teamsters Local 1699, voted to ratify a new three-year contract. The agreement covering 1,600 nurses includes significant improvements to retiree healthcare, across-the-board wage increases, and reduced out-of-pocket medical costs for nurses.

“This contract underscores the power of unity and the solidarity among our nurses,” said Katie Langenstrass, Executive Director of UNOCH Teamsters Local 1699. “This agreement is the direct result of members raising their voices and demanding to be heard—and now, we have a contract that begins to tackle important issues like curbing rising medical costs. We did not get here alone—it was the result of the collective strength of our members, the steadfast support of elected officials, and the backing of our community members.”

This contract victory comes after more than four months of bargaining and a two-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike in July.

“This is a win for our nurses, but more importantly, it is a win for our patients,” said Lisa DeGuzman, Nursing Director of UNOCH Teamsters Local 1699 and Registered Nurse, PICU at Rady Children’s Hospital. “With contract negotiations complete, we can focus on what we do best—caring for the children and families who rely on us daily. We’re now in a new chapter of hope, strength, and solidarity for the nurses at Rady Children’s Hospital, and we are excited for the future we will build together. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who stood with us and made this contract possible.”

UNOCH Teamsters Local 1699 represents professional nurses, therapists and technicians dedicated to promoting excellence in the care of infants, children and their families and is devoted to creating a working environment that enables our members to perform the high-quality patient care that Rady Children’s Hospital is known for.