Nurses and technicians at Temple University Hospital have reached a new contract agreement just before a planned five-day strike, which was set to commence on March 15, 2024. The deal, finalized late Friday, covers approximately 2,600 hospital employees, including around 1,600 nurses and 1,000 other healthcare professionals such as social workers and pharmacists.
This agreement comes after extensive negotiations between the hospital administration and the Temple University Hospital Nurses Association (TUHNA) alongside the Temple University Allied Health Professionals. The contract introduces enhanced safety provisions aimed at improving the working environment for staff and ensuring patient care remains a top priority.
The contract includes measures for increased safety, such as the installation of violence detection systems and the provision of certified protection officers to respond in emergencies. Additionally, it mandates the implementation of functional panic buttons and emergency alert systems, addressing long-standing concerns about workplace safety.
Marty Harrison, President of TUHNA, emphasized the vital role that nurses play in patient care, stating, “We are the ones who every day, a thousand times a day, give these patients what they need.” Harrison acknowledged the public and political support that helped secure the contract, stressing the importance of adequate staffing and resources to provide high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their background.
The agreement also includes wage increases for employees, structured as 3.25% for the first two years and 3% in the final year, reflecting a commitment to recognizing the contributions of staff.
More than 90% of members from the Temple Allied Professionals voted in favor of the contract, alongside 87% of TUHNA members, showcasing strong union support for the agreement.
Maureen May, President of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP), highlighted the contract’s significance, noting, “The significance for many of us was the safety of our patients.” She expressed that while the focus on workplace violence was critical, the overarching aim was to ensure that caregivers have the necessary support to deliver effective patient care.
The successful negotiation of this contract not only prevents the disruption of services that would have arisen from the strike but also underscores the hospital’s ongoing commitment to its staff and the communities they serve. In a statement, the hospital administration remarked that the agreement “reflects a mutual commitment” to fair and equitable terms, recognizing the extraordinary efforts of employees.
This contract represents a significant step forward in improving both workplace safety and the overall quality of care at Temple University Hospital, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to meet the needs of their patients.