PHILADELPHIA – Nearly all of the 1,200 nurses at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital voted Monday, June 15, to allow their bargaining committee to call a strike if ongoing contract issues are not resolved, according to a press release from Einstein Nurses United, a PASNAP local.<\/p>\n
Nurses vote for strike authorization amid contract dispute <\/p>\n
What we know:<\/p>\n
Nurses say 96% voted to authorize a strike, citing unsafe staffing, lack of resources, and deep cuts to benefits as key issues.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The vote closed at 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 15.<\/p>\n
What they’re saying:<\/p>\n
“Our patients deserve better than Jefferson is willing to deliver on its own. So do the nurses who care for them,” said Stephanie Stucka, RN, Co-President of Einstein Nurses United. “This is our hospital, this is our community: That\u2019s why I voted YES\u2014to stand up for safe patient care, those who provide it, and the community Jefferson claims to serve.”<\/p>\n
Nurses say Jefferson Health has removed decision-making power from local nursing leadership and frozen capital improvements, closed pediatric clinics, and failed to invest in safe staffing levels.<\/p>\n
Key issues driving the strike vote <\/p>\n
Nurses say Jefferson\u2019s proposals could lead to unlimited benefit cuts, higher healthcare costs for staff, and possible service reductions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They also say the hospital will not commit to maintaining current security levels or preventing future department closures.<\/p>\n
The nurses\u2019 contract expired 46 days ago. On May 21, hundreds of nurses held an informational picket outside the hospital to raise awareness about their concerns.<\/p>\n
Nurses say they want better staffing grids, protection for paid time off and pensions, and a cap on healthcare cost increases. Jefferson has rejected these proposals, according to the union.<\/p>\n
Local perspective:<\/p>\n
State Sen. Sharif Street and state Rep. Darisha Parker, whose districts include the hospital, voiced support for the nurses. Street said, “They deserve a contract that recognizes their expertise, respects their contributions, and provides the staffing, workplace protections, and resources necessary to deliver safe, high-quality patient care.”<\/p>\n
What’s next:<\/p>\n
The strike authorization does not mean a strike will happen immediately, but gives the bargaining committee the power to call one if negotiations stall.<\/p>\n
What we don’t know:<\/p>\n
It is not clear when or if a strike will be called, how Jefferson Health will respond to the vote, or what impact a strike could have on hospital operations and patient care.<\/p>\n
FOX 29 has reached out to Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital for comment, but has not yet heard back.<\/p>\n
The Source: Information from a press release by Einstein Nurses United, PASNAP.<\/p>\n
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