By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–Technical workers at Rady Children’s Hospital have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, citing stalled contract negotiations and what they describe as the hospital’s continued refusal to recognize the value of their work.
The workers, represented by the United Nurses of Children’s Hospital (UNOCH) Teamsters Local 1699, say they have reached a breaking point after months of unsuccessful bargaining. The union says hospital leadership has failed to offer a fair contract that addresses chronic understaffing, low wages, and high healthcare costs.
“This vote was not taken lightly,” said Katie Langenstrass, Executive Director of UNOCH Teamsters Local 1699. “Our members are dedicated professionals who care deeply for San Diego’s children, but the hospital has left them no choice. These workers are stretched thin, underpaid, and facing rising costs while the hospital looks the other way.”
Technical workers at Rady include Respiratory Therapists, Licensed Vocational Nurses, Surgical Technologists, Lab Technicians, Pharmacy Techs, and others who play vital roles in patient care—from keeping premature babies breathing to administering life-saving medications and conducting diagnostic tests.
“This vote isn’t about walking away from our patients—it’s about protecting our ability to care for them,” said Lee Woolridge, Tech Director of UNOCH Teamsters Local 1699. “We’re tired of being treated as expendable. Our work is essential, and it’s time we’re treated with the respect and support we deserve.”
Union members say the rising cost of living in San Diego has only made matters worse. Many report being priced out of the communities they serve or losing coworkers to higher-paying jobs elsewhere.
“San Diego is one of the most expensive cities in the country, and our pay hasn’t kept up,” said Jennifer Pratt, a Radiology Technologist at Rady. “We’re seeing constant turnover and instability. We’re not just asking for better wages—we’re asking for the chance to do our jobs with dignity and deliver the care our patients deserve.”
While the vote does not trigger an immediate strike, it authorizes union leaders to call one if progress isn’t made at the bargaining table. Negotiations are set to resume on Tuesday, July 1. Union officials say they are committed to reaching a deal—but only one that addresses the core issues facing the workforce.
If a strike does occur, it could disrupt surgeries and other essential hospital services.
This latest development follows a major walkout last year by 1,600 Rady Children’s Hospital nurses, adding to growing concerns about how the hospital values its frontline caregivers.
UNOCH Teamsters Local 1699 represents more than 2,000 hospital workers, including over 600 technical staff at Rady Children’s Hospital.
