Nurses Ratify 3-year Contract Agreement with South Jersey Healthcare

For Immediate Release
May 28, 2010

Contact:
HPAE: Jeanne Otersen, (201)262-5005, cell (201)280-9279
SJH: Gregory Potter, (856) 575-4219

Nurses Ratify 3-year Contract Agreement with South Jersey Healthcare

VINELAND, NJ (May 28) – Nurses ratified a 3-year contract agreement Thursday night with South Jersey Healthcare covering wages, health benefits, working conditions and educational certification programs. This is the second contract between the 750 nurses represented by the Health Professionals and Allied Employees, NJ’s largest union of nurses and healthcare workers, and SJH.

“In this difficult and uncertain economic environment, we are pleased that we achieved a settlement that serves our hospital well, provides the tools and supports our nurses need and assures continued high quality care for our patients,” said Michele Silvio, RN, president of HPAE local at SJH. “This settlement will help us continue to recruit the most qualified and experienced nurses to our hospital and for our community.”

“This three-year contract ensures our RNs will remain the most highly trained and knowledgeable in the state by providing easier access to educational resources and professional advancement incentives,” said Erich Florentine, South Jersey Healthcare Chief People Officer. “At the same time, this contract promotes the fiscal responsibility necessary to continue the stability and growth of our health system that our communities deserve.”
The contract negotiations between the nurses and management began in April, and a tentative settlement was reached May 20, more than 10 days before the contract’s expiration date of May 31. The new agreement will extend until May 31, 2013.