Nurses Plan 5-Day Strike at Providence St. Joseph in Burbank
Nurses at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center Launch Five-Day Strike
Nurses at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center commenced a five-day strike today, expressing urgent concerns regarding staffing levels, workplace conditions, and proposed changes to health and retirement benefits.
Represented by SEIU Local 121RN, the registered nurses are set to picket daily from 7 a.m. to noon outside the hospital located at 501 S. Buena Vista St. Organizers have scheduled a rally for 9 a.m. on Monday, featuring both nurses and elected officials.
Union representatives have indicated that negotiations for a new contract have been ongoing since September 2025. They are advocating for provisions aimed at ensuring safe staffing levels, protection against workplace harassment, and the preservation of health benefits.
The union alleges that Providence has introduced proposals that would increase healthcare costs for nurses, eliminate discretionary retirement contributions, and remove a health incentive program, alongside alterations to the attendance policy. Nurses argue these changes could jeopardize both employee retention and patient care.
“Break nurses are constantly pulled into full assignments, leaving patients without coverage and nurses working 12-hour shifts without breaks,” said Kevin Grellman, a cardiac telemetry nurse. “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.”
In response to the strike, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center assured City News Service that patient care would not be impacted, asserting its preparedness to maintain normal operations during the strike.
“We are disappointed SEIU 121RN chose this action rather than continue the important work of reaching an agreement at the bargaining table,” said the hospital 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 emphasized its commitment to negotiating in good faith over the past six months to achieve a fair and sustainable contract. Providence remains open to returning to negotiations in the near future.
