Sharp HealthCare announced on November 10, 2025, that its registered nurses have ratified a new four-year contract, resulting in an overall pay increase of 18%. This agreement follows a three-day strike by union members that took place in late November, reflecting ongoing labor negotiations in the healthcare sector.
The Sharp Professional Nurses Network, which is affiliated with the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, represents approximately 5,700 registered nurses. The union confirmed the ratification of the contract on Friday afternoon, emphasizing key benefits included in the agreement. Nurses will receive 72 hours of “frontloaded” sick leave and a restoration of retiree medical benefits as part of the new terms.
According to Sharp HealthCare’s statement, base pay for nurses will increase by 5% in the first year, followed by annual increases of 4% for each of the subsequent three years. While these increases total 17%, a spokesperson for the union clarified that the overall increase reaches 18% when compounded annually.
Kaiser Permanente Faces Possible Strike Amid Negotiations
While Sharp’s nurses have reached an agreement, the situation at Kaiser Permanente remains tense. Nurses represented by the same union at Kaiser are preparing for an indefinite strike set to commence on November 13, 2025. Negotiations between Kaiser and its union representatives have been ongoing since September 2025. Union representatives have accused Kaiser of prioritizing profits over patient care during these discussions.
A recent report highlighted that Kaiser holds approximately $66 billion in unrestricted reserves, raising questions about the organization’s capacity to provide more substantial wage increases. In a striking move, Kaiser announced on November 9 that it plans to abandon its nationwide negotiation strategy, which involves 53 different bargaining units across multiple states. Instead, the health system will shift its focus to local bargaining units.
Kaiser has stated that it is offering nurses represented by the union a total wage increase of 21.5% over the four years of the contract. As the healthcare sector continues to navigate these complex negotiations, the outcomes will have significant implications for both healthcare workers and the patients they serve.
The resolution of the contract for Sharp’s nurses marks a notable achievement in labor negotiations, while the situation at Kaiser underscores the ongoing challenges within the industry. As both organizations move forward, the focus will remain on securing fair wages and working conditions that support the needs of healthcare professionals and their patients.
