Cottage Health nurses announce unionization campaign, expect vote on representation by end of the year - Santa Barbara News-Press

October 24, 2026 - 22:01

A group of nurses at Cottage Health has announced a campaign to unionize, with organizers saying they expect a vote on representation to take place before the end of the year. The announcement marks a significant step in an ongoing push by staff at the health system to secure collective bargaining rights.

Organizers say the campaign is driven by concerns over staffing levels, workload, and a desire for a stronger voice in decisions that affect patient care and working conditions. They argue that union representation would give nurses more leverage in negotiations over wages, benefits, and scheduling.

Cottage Health administrators responded to the announcement by describing the organization as a healthy workplace and a desirable place to work. They pointed to recent pay increases as well as positive hiring and retention trends as evidence that the system is investing in its workforce and that staff satisfaction remains strong.

The campaign now moves into a phase in which nurses will seek to build support among colleagues ahead of a formal election. If a majority votes in favor of representation, the nurses would join a union and begin the process of negotiating a contract with Cottage Health management.

Both sides appear prepared for a vigorous debate in the coming months over the future of labor relations at the health system.