By: NBC Philadelphia Staff
More than 1,200 nurses at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital in North Philadelphia have voted to authorize a strike as their negotiations with management continue for a new contract, their union announced on Monday.
The union’s members voted 96% in favor of authorizing a strike, which gives leaders the ability to initiate one, but does not mean that a strike is imminent.
In a press release, the union’s leaders said they have been working without a contract since April and are asking for improvements in nurse staffing and security, as well as a limit to cuts to benefits and departments.
“We have a healing mission,” said PASNAP President Maureen May. “We want to heal our patients. We want to heal our community. And we want to be a part of healing a system that doesn’t always have our backs. That’s why we are prepared to take action—not because we want conflict, but because our patients and caregivers deserve better.”
A Jefferson Health spokesperson sent a statement to NBC10 in response to the strike being authorized.
“We are disappointed that PASNAP has voted to authorize a strike. This action risks putting disruption ahead of patients and community members. While a strike is not imminent, this vote sends the wrong message at a time when our community needs stability, partnership, and a shared commitment to care—especially as Philadelphia prepares to host major national and global events that will place increased demand on our healthcare system,” the spokesperson wrote.
“Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital remains focused on our patients and will continue to provide safe, high-quality care to everyone who depends on us. We remain committed to bargaining in good faith, including at two bargaining sessions that will be taking place this week, and urge PASNAP to prioritize solutions that support both our nurses and the community we all serve.”
