Long Beach MemorialCare Nurses Stage One-Day Strike Over Staffing and Safety Concerns

Long Beach, CA — On May 22, 2025, more than 2,100 nurses at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital participated in a 24-hour strike, marking their first walkout in 15 years. The action was organized by the California Nurses Association (CNA), citing stalled contract negotiations, inadequate staffing, and safety concerns as primary reasons for the protest.

Key Issues Prompting the Strike

Negotiations between the CNA and MemorialCare began in February 2025, with the previous contract expiring at the end of March. Despite 15 bargaining sessions, the union reports little progress on critical issues, including:

Staffing Levels: Nurses are advocating for improved nurse-to-patient ratios to ensure quality patient care.
Workplace Safety: Concerns have been raised about insufficient security measures, with reports of incidents involving weapons within hospital premises.
Fair Compensation: The union is seeking competitive wages to retain and attract qualified nursing staff.

Brandy Welch, a registered nurse and member of the bargaining team, expressed frustration over the lack of progress, stating, “We have an employer who does not respect us.”

Hospital’s Response and Lockout

In anticipation of the strike, MemorialCare implemented contingency plans, including hiring temporary nurses and enhancing security measures. The hospital emphasized its commitment to uninterrupted patient care, noting that only elective surgeries were rescheduled during the strike period.

Following the one-day strike, MemorialCare announced a four-day lockout of the striking nurses, citing contractual obligations with temporary staffing agencies that require a minimum five-day commitment. Stephanie Garcia, Vice President of Operations, stated, “We are extremely disappointed that the union has chosen this damaging course of action.”

Community and Political Support

The strike garnered support from local officials, including Mayor Rex Richardson, who joined nurses on the picket line. Community members also expressed solidarity, with many voicing concerns over the potential impact of staffing shortages on patient care.

As the lockout concludes, both parties are expected to return to the negotiating table. The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched, as they may set precedents for labor relations in the healthcare sector across Southern California.

Want more Long Beach event guides, insider tips, and local news?

That’s what Long Beach Classic is all about—helping you explore the city like a pro.