Contract prevents short staffing and perserves nurses' rights

It may have taken 17 months, but the registered nurses from the South Jersey Healthcare system who voted for representation by the Health Professionals and Allied Employees finally have a contract.

The hospital and the union came to an agreement in November, just as the union was preparing to stage a rally to protest stalled negotiations. The two-and-half-year contract includes language on staffing and nurses' rights.

Under the contract, the hospital must maintain adequate staffing or nurses can file grievances if a unit is understaffed. The contract also includes an agreement by the employer not to challenge the union status of any bargaining unit positions by claiming they are managers or supervisors.

"For months, our goal was a contract that would ensure our rights as patient advocates; safe and effective patient care; safe working conditions; and fair wages and educational opportunities," says Michele Silvio, the chair of the nurse bargaining committee.

"We achieved that goal through our own unity and strength and through the support of our patients, our community and elected officials."

The 31-month contract covers some 780 registered nurses at three system facilities in Vineland, Elmer and Bridgeton, N.J., as well as home-care nurses.

The nurses voted 299-279 in July 2006 for HPAE representation, with 67 challenged ballots. The union was certified in January 2007.