MHSC Nurses Plan to Unionize

For Immediate Release Contact: Jeanne Otersen (201)262-5005 OR 201-280-9279

May 20, 2010

MHSC Nurses Plan to Unionize

Salem, NJ: Wanting a larger role in patient care and to protect health services for the community, more than 70% of the Registered Nurses at Salem Memorial Hospital filed a petition on May 19th for an election to join NJ’s largest nursing union, the Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE/AFT).

“We are community nurses, we live here, we work here, we take care of neighbors and families, and we want to make sure the voices of the nurses and the community are heard at the decision-making level at Memorial Hospital of Salem County, and its parent corporation, CHS,” said Lorie Halter, RN ICU.

The nurses already are gaining the support of elected officials, with the passage of a resolution by the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Salem County supporting the rights of nurses to decide on unionization.

The next step under the National Labor Relations Act, (NLRA) which governs union elections, is the scheduling of a secret-ballot election, which could be held within the next month. Nurses leafleted the hospital on Thursday with the announcement of the petition to unionize.

“In this time of uncertainty in health care, the voice of the bedside nurse is critical to making sure that patients come first, before profits or any other interest,” said Ann Twomey, president of the state-wide HPAE. “Letting nurses have an election free of delays, intimidation, and endless legal challenges is crucial to giving nurses a real voice in protecting patient care and community needs.”

There are 130 Registered Nurses working at Salem, and in recent months there has been controversy over attempts by Salem’s parent corporation, CHS, to close maternity services at the hospital. The closure would appear to violate terms of the for-profit company’s commitment when they purchased the hospital 8 years ago, and would first require approval by the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services.

HPAE represents 12,000 nurses and health professionals at hospitals, nursing homes and university settings throughout NJ, including area hospitals - Cooper University Medical Center, Virtua Memorial Hospital, and South Jersey Healthcare.