(San Diego, CA) – Technical workers at Rady Children’s Hospital, members of the United Nurses of Children’s Hospital (UNOCH) Teamsters Local 1699, voted by an overwhelming majority to authorize a strike. This vote comes after months of stalled negotiations and a continued refusal by hospital leadership to offer a contract that values the critical work of the hospital’s technical unit.

“This vote was not taken lightly,” said Katie Langenstrass, Executive Director of UNOCH Teamsters Local 1699. “Our members were forced into this position because the hospital refuses to invest in the very people who care for San Diego’s children. These workers are deeply committed to their patients, but they cannot continue to carry the burden of short staffing, low wages, and rising costs while the hospital turns a blind eye.”

“This vote wasn’t about walking away from our work. It’s about fighting to protect it,” said Lee Woolridge, Tech Director of UNOCH Teamsters Local 1699. “Our members are united because they’re tired of being treated as disposable. Technical workers are essential to patient care, yet the hospital continues to undervalue our skill, experience, and dedication. We deserve a contract that respects our work and ensures we can continue serving this community at Rady.”

These essential workers, including Respiratory Therapists, Lab Technicians, Licensed Vocational Nurses, Surgical Technologists, Pharmacy Techs, and many others, play a critical role in treating and supporting children from San Diego and beyond during their most difficult times. From keeping premature babies breathing to preparing life-saving medications and performing diagnostic imaging, these professionals are the foundation of care at Rady. But while the cost of living in San Diego has soared, they continue to face low wages, unaffordable medical premiums, and severe understaffing as experienced techs leave for better-paying jobs at other hospitals in the region.

“San Diego has become one of the most expensive places to live in the country, but our wages haven’t kept up,” said Jennifer Pratt, Radiology Technologist at Rady Children’s Hospital. “Many of us are being pushed farther and farther from the communities we serve, or we’re watching our coworkers leave for better-paying jobs at other hospitals. The constant turnover creates chaos and instability that puts patient care at risk. We’re not just fighting for fair wages. We’re fighting for the dignity to keep doing the work we love and to care for our patients the way they deserve.”

The strike authorization does not mean a strike is immediately scheduled, but gives union leadership the ability to call one if necessary. Bargaining is set to resume on Tuesday, July 1. Union leaders say they are prepared to reach a deal, but only one that addresses the real issues facing the technical workforce.

If no agreement is reached, a strike could impact surgical procedures and essential services across the hospital.

This strike vote comes on the heels of last year’s historic walkout by 1,600 Rady Children’s Hospital nurses, underscoring a continued pattern of the hospital failing to value the frontline workers who care for San Diego’s children.

UNOCH Teamsters Local 1699 represents over 2,000 dedicated workers at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, CA including over 600 technical workers.

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About UNOCH Teamsters Local 1699

United Nurses of Children’s Hospital (UNOCH) is a group of professional nurses, therapists and technicians dedicated to promoting excellence in the care of infants, children and their families. UNOCH is affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and is devoted to creating a working environment that enables our members to perform the high-quality patient care that Rady Children’s Hospital is known for.

Contact: Christian Castro, ccastro@teamstersjc42.org