Nurses union in New Jersey issues a potential strike notice due to allegedly inadequate staffing levels in hospitals.
New Jersey's largest nurses' union, the Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE), is engaged in negotiations with several hospitals across the state regarding safe staffing ratios. Unless agreements are reached, the union's over 3,500 members are prepared to strike, with contract expirations looming at four hospitals, including Inspira Health Network in South Jersey, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Bayonne Medical Center, and Christ Hospital in Jersey City.
These negotiations are crucial, as safe staffing ratios are at the heart of the discussions. The union contends that enforceable ratios are crucial for both patient safety and nurse workload. This push comes following the widespread staffing shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The union's contract with Bergen New Bridge Medical Center expires on May 31, and negotiations resumed on May 29. While the union has authorized a strike if an agreement cannot be reached, no strike notice has yet been issued, indicating that there is no immediate strike at this time. A 10-day notice is required before any strike action.
Meanwhile, nurses at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Stafford Township have been working without a contract since the end of April but have since been called back to the bargaining table.
The union's push for safe staffing ratios is informed by research from the last two decades, particularly California's implementation of the country's first staffing ratio law. Studies have consistently shown that such practices improve patient outcomes, decrease patient deaths, and increase patient satisfaction.
In response, a spokesperson for Inspira Health Network stated that the network has completed nine bargaining sessions and continues to negotiate in good faith. The network appreciates its nurses' work, describing them as the most qualified and compassionate clinicians.
As the situation remains tense but not at the strike stage, the union's priority is to ensure safe staffing ratios through successful negotiations, resorting to a strike only if talks fail. The potential impact of a strike could include disruptions to patient care, increased workload for remaining staff, and increased public attention. Successful negotiations in New Jersey could set a precedent for other hospitals nationwide.
The Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) union, engaged in negotiating safe staffing ratios with several hospitals, contends that these ratios are essential for both patient safety and nurse workload. This push is informed by two decades of research, notably California's implementation of the country's first staffing ratio law, which has shown that such practices not only improve patient outcomes but also decrease patient deaths and increase patient satisfaction.
