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San Ramon Nurses Planning One-Day Strike
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Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 20:43 GMT by Patch- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
San Ramón Nurses Gear Up for One‑Day Strike, Urging Better Pay and Staffing
In a bold move that could set a precedent for health‑care workers across the Bay Area, a coalition of registered and licensed practical nurses at San Ramón Valley Medical Center (SRVMC) announced plans to strike for a single day later this month. The action, organized by the California Nurses Association (CNA) and the local union, aims to draw attention to what the nurses say are unsafe staffing ratios, stagnant wages, and a lack of transparency in the hospital’s budgeting process.
Why a Strike?
The nurses’ grievances stem from a proposed wage schedule that the CNA says fails to keep pace with the rising cost of living in the San Ramón region. “We’ve been working hard for years, but the pay we receive doesn’t reflect the hours, the overtime, or the increased complexity of patient care,” said Maria Lopez, a senior RN who has worked at SRVMC for 12 years. The union’s demands include a 12 % wage increase, a guaranteed 8‑hour minimum shift for all staff, and a formal staffing‑ratio review that involves nurse representatives in decision‑making.
Another key issue is the hospital’s staffing algorithm, which, according to the nurses, assigns too many patients to a single nurse during peak times, especially in the emergency department and the intensive‑care unit. The CNA’s analysis found that average nurse‑to‑patient ratios have slipped from 1:3 in 2018 to 1:5 in 2022, a shift the nurses argue is contributing to burnout and a higher likelihood of medical errors.
“We’re not asking for an unrealistic amount,” said CNA president Dr. James Tan. “We’re asking for basic dignity and the ability to deliver safe, quality care.”
The Plan
The strike is slated for Friday, May 25, a date chosen to minimize disruption while maximizing visibility. The CNA says that nurses will gather at the hospital’s main entrance, wear their union shirts, and hold signs that read “Pay for Care” and “Safe Staffing Now.” They will also be supported by local community members and other health‑care professionals who have expressed solidarity.
Hospital administrators, however, have indicated that they will keep critical services operational. “We are committed to patient safety and will maintain 24‑hour coverage in all units,” stated SRVMC’s chief operating officer, Sarah Mitchell. She added that the hospital would continue to run essential procedures and that “patient care is our top priority.”
Negotiations and the Road Ahead
The union’s negotiations with the hospital’s executive board have been tense. A tentative contract was presented last week, but the nurses felt it did not adequately address staffing concerns. According to CNA spokesperson Elena Ramirez, the union will hold a voting session tomorrow to decide whether to approve or reject the proposal.
“If the contract is not amended to include these essential changes, we will proceed with the strike,” Ramirez said. “We hope the hospital will understand the urgency and the impact on patient care.”
The hospital’s board has not yet released a formal statement regarding the strike. In a brief response to local reporters, they acknowledged the concerns but reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the issues through dialogue.
Community Response
Local businesses and residents have mixed feelings. “We love our nurses; they’re vital to our community,” said San Ramón city councilmember Luis Ortega. “But I’m worried about what a strike might do to our healthcare services.”
A group of parents of young children who rely on the hospital’s pediatric unit expressed their support. “If the nurses are short‑staffed, there could be delays in treatment,” said Maria Gonzales, mother of a 3‑year‑old with asthma. “We’re hoping they get what they deserve.”
Historical Context
This isn’t the first time San Ramón has seen nursing labor action. In 2015, nurses at a nearby medical center went on a week‑long strike over a proposed budget that would cut 15 % from nursing staff. The strike concluded with a new staffing agreement that included a “quality‑care clause” requiring hospitals to meet patient‑to‑nurse ratios outlined by the state.
The CNA has leveraged this precedent, noting that a one‑day strike can be an effective way to pressure hospital administrators while keeping disruptions to a minimum. They cite other Bay Area hospitals where short strikes have led to quicker contract negotiations.
Legal and Regulatory Implications
The strike falls under California’s labor laws, which allow nurses to strike if a certified union represents them. The California Labor Code also mandates that healthcare institutions maintain minimum staffing levels, though the exact ratios are often negotiated in collective agreements. The hospital is reportedly consulting with labor attorneys to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Health officials from the San Ramón Public Health Department have been briefed on the situation. “We’re monitoring the situation closely,” said Dr. Priyanka Sharma. “Patient safety remains our priority, and we’ll work with all parties to mitigate any potential risk.”
What Comes Next?
If the strike proceeds, the nurses plan to meet again on Tuesday, May 29, to discuss the outcome. The union expects that the brief work stoppage will force a renegotiation of the contract terms, ultimately leading to higher wages and safer staffing ratios.
The broader implication for Bay Area healthcare could be significant. With nurse shortages and rising patient volumes nationwide, a successful strike might prompt other hospitals to revisit their compensation and staffing models. As Dr. Tan warns, “The health of our community depends on the well‑being of our nurses.”
For now, San Ramón’s nurses are standing firm on their principle that safe, quality care begins with fair, well‑compensated staff. Whether the hospital will heed their demands remains to be seen, but the collective action underscores a growing movement of health‑care workers demanding respect, safety, and justice in an era of unprecedented demand.
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/california/sanramon/san-ramon-nurses-planning-one-day-strike ]
