BURBANK (CNS) – Nurses at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center began a five-day strike Monday, citing concerns over staffing levels, workplace conditions and proposed changes to health and retirement benefits.
The registered nurses, represented by SEIU Local 121RN, will picket daily from 7 a.m. to noon through Friday outside the hospital at 501 S. Buena Vista St.
Union officials said nurses have been bargaining for a new contract since September 2025 and are seeking provisions they say would ensure safe staffing, protect workers from harassment and maintain health benefits.
According to the union, Providence has proposed increasing nurses’ health care costs, ending a discretionary retirement contribution and eliminating a health incentive program, while also seeking changes to an attendance policy. Nurses contend the proposals would undermine staff retention and patient care.
“Break nurses are constantly pulled into full assignments, leaving patients without coverage and nurses working 12-hour shifts without breaks,” Kevin Grellman, a Cardiac Telemetry nurse, said in a statement. “Some days, we barely have time to get water, use the restroom, or eat. When we raise concerns, our concerns are dismissed. Management calls it saving money — but it puts patient care at risk and violates our contract.”
Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center told City News Service Friday the strike would not affect patients, and that it was prepared to continue normal operations without interruption during the walkout.
“We are disappointed SEIU 121RN chose this action rather than continue the important work of reaching an agreement at the bargaining table,” the hospital said in a statement. “We respect our caregivers’ legal right to strike; however, we firmly believe that strikes only delay constructive contract talks, preventing represented caregivers from receiving the compensation increases and other contract enhancements they deserve.”
The hospital said it has bargained in good faith for six months to reach a competitive, sustainable agreement and remains committed to securing a fair contract and returning to negotiations soon.
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