Rady Children's nurses reject contract deal

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Rady Children's nurses voted Tuesday regarding a contract agreement with the hospital. The result? No deal.

This is the third time the health field workers have turned down a deal. They are demanding increased wages, decreased medical premiums, among other issues of concern.

Hundreds of the hospital's nurses hit the picket lines last month, a historic two-day strike — the union’s first since it was formed over 20 years ago.

Rady Children’s officials have maintained that the contracts were “fair and equitable” in meeting the nurses’ demands. Nonetheless, the nurses don't agree and are demanding more impactful changes to the contract.

In a statement released by Rady Children’s following the nurse's rejection vote, officials said:

"Rady Children’s top priority has always been, and always will be, to provide exceptional care to all children and their families in the San Diego region.

Rady Children’s is disappointed to learn tonight that, for the third time, nurses have voted against ratification of a tentative agreement between UNOCH/Teamsters Local 1699 and the hospital.

This tentative agreement was the best path forward for nurses and the hospital. It would have provided substantial family-supporting pay and benefits for our valued nurses.

The hospital will continue to bargain in good faith with UNOCH/Teamsters."

Negotiations are expected to continue between the nurses and hospital.