Sharp HealthCare announced on December 1, 2023, that its registered nurses have ratified a new contract that ensures an 18% pay increase over the next four years. This agreement follows a significant three-day strike by union members that took place in late November. The deal was confirmed by the Sharp Professional Nurses Network, which is affiliated with the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, representing approximately 5,700 members.
Under the terms of the contract, base pay will rise by 5% in the first year, followed by 4% increases for each of the subsequent three years. While these figures total 17%, union representatives noted that the overall increase reaches 18% when including the effects of annual compounding. Additionally, the contract provides for 72 hours of “frontloaded” sick leave and the restoration of retiree medical benefits, enhancing overall job security and support for the nurses.
Kaiser Nurses Prepare for Unlimited Strike
The Sharp nurses’ agreement comes at a critical time as the union also represents nurses at Kaiser Permanente, who are poised to initiate an unlimited duration strike starting Monday, December 4, 2023. Negotiations with Kaiser have been ongoing since September 2025, with union representatives accusing the organization of prioritizing profits over patient care. Reports indicate that Kaiser maintains approximately $66 billion in unrestricted reserves, raising concerns about its commitment to fair wage increases for its workforce.
In a recent shift, Kaiser announced it would abandon its nationwide negotiation strategy that encompassed 53 different bargaining units across the states it serves. Instead, the company plans to focus on local negotiations, which it believes will facilitate more effective discussions. Kaiser has reportedly offered its union-represented nurses a total wage increase of 21.5% over the four years of the proposed contract.
As negotiations continue, the situation remains fluid, with both Sharp and Kaiser navigating the complexities of labor relations amidst a backdrop of increased scrutiny over healthcare compensation practices.
