Negotiations between the Temple University Hospital management and its nursing staff concluded successfully on March 3, 2024, resulting in a new contract that covers approximately 2,600 nurses, technicians, and other healthcare professionals. The agreement, reached just before a planned five-day strike, includes enhanced safety measures and wage increases, thus averting potential disruptions to patient care and significant financial costs for the hospital.
The contract comes after weeks of intense discussions between the hospital and two unions: the Temple University Hospital Nurses Association (TUHNA) and the Temple University Allied Health Professionals. The newly approved terms will deliver wage increases of 3.25% in the first two years and 3% in the third year, addressing the concerns of healthcare professionals regarding compensation amidst rising living costs.
In a statement, Marty Harrison, president of TUHNA, emphasized the critical role nurses play in patient care. She noted, “We are the ones who every day, a thousand times a day, give these patients what they need.” Harrison highlighted the overwhelming support from the public and elected officials, which helped the union secure essential staffing, equipment, and supplies necessary for quality patient care.
The new contract also introduces several safety provisions, including the installation of panic buttons, surveillance systems, and certified protection officers to respond to violent incidents within the hospital. These measures aim to create a safer working environment for healthcare professionals, reflecting their commitment to protecting both staff and patients.
Longtime Temple nurse and president of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, Maureen May, reiterated the importance of patient safety in the negotiations. “The significance for many of us was the safety of our patients,” she remarked. “It wasn’t just about workplace violence; we wanted to ensure proper staffing to care for the patients.”
The hospital administration expressed its satisfaction with the agreement, stating it “reflects a mutual commitment” to fair and equitable terms, recognizing the “extraordinary efforts” of employees. The hospital also underscored its continued mission to provide safe, high-quality care to the communities it serves.
Union members overwhelmingly supported the contract, with more than 90% of TAP members and 87% of TUHNA members voting in favor. This strong backing indicates a collective commitment to improving working conditions and ensuring adequate care for patients.
The new contract, which is set to last for three years, marks a significant step forward for Temple University Hospital’s staff and underscores the importance of effective labor negotiations in the healthcare sector. With the strike averted, both the hospital and its employees can focus on delivering essential healthcare services without interruption, benefiting the community at large.
