The union represents 1,800 nurses at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center campuses, according to a Dec. 14 California Nurses Association news release shared with Becker’s. Alta Bates Summit Medical Center is part of Sacramento-based Sutter Health, which includes more than 20 hospitals.
Union members issued a strike notice amid contract negotiations, which have been ongoing since June 2021. A Sutter Health spokesperson told Becker’s in a statement Dec. 13 that during negotiations, the union has sought “an unsustainable wage increase of 40 percent.” The spokesperson said Sutter Health’s latest offer includes a minimum 22.4 percent pay increase over four years in addition to any applicable step increases; continued employer-paid health coverage for nurses and their families; and comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans/measures, among other provisions.
The union contends that hospital administration has refused to address nurses’ concerns about working conditions, continuing education and benefits.
Nurses plan to strike from 7 a.m. Dec. 24 until 6:59 a.m. Jan. 2. A strike could be averted if both sides reach an agreement.
If the strike occurs as planned, it will be the union’s third walkout this year, according to Sutter Health.