Nurses at Rady Children's Hospital reject labor contract, prepare for possible strike

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Rady Children's Hospital is preparing for a possible strike as nurses have voted overwhelmingly to turn down the latest labor contract and authorize a strike, if needed.

"This is the first time the nursing group has ever voted down a contract and this is the first strike vote we’ve taken," said Katie Langenstrass, registered nurse at Rady Children's Hospital and Executive Director of UNOCH Local 1699.

Contract negotiations began in May and continued through Wednesday to no avail. The current labor agreement expired on June 30.

"We’re going to continue to negotiate. This is a great contract. It’s the best the nurses have received. It is going to bring some far above market," said Chris Abe, Rady Children's Hospital Vice President of Operations.

The majority of more than 1,600 nurses belonging to the United Nurses of Children’s Hospital Local 1699 have voted down the latest contract offered. They say they’re not only fighting for more of a living wage, but also better benefits.

"They felt the offer didn’t meet their needs when it comes to wages and most...