Jefferson Einstein nurses sign a new contract with raises, more staffing
The contract includes raises and additional staffing at the Logan hospital.
Nearly 1,200 nurses at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital this week ratified a contract that includes raises and additional staffing at the Logan hospital.
The nurses, part of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals union, reached a contract agreement with Jefferson Health officials after authorizing union officials to call a strike last week.
Jefferson officials said in a statement that the three-year contract “reflects a thoughtful and collaborative approach, balancing the financial realities facing healthcare organizations today with our ongoing commitment to invest in the communities we serve.”
Nurses had called for assurances that the hospital will not close departments; the health system announced plans earlier this year to close several pediatric outpatient clinics that are staffed by non-union nurses.
As part of the new contract, union officials said in a news release, the hospital will add staff to behavioral health units. And a committee of nurses and nursing directors must agree with any plans to reduce staffing levels in any hospital department.
The union negotiated wage increases of 10% to 14% over the course of the three-year contract. In addition, nurses who work weekends will also see higher pay rates to retain staffing levels on weekends.
The hospital also agreed to continue contributing to nurses’ pensions, and cannot “negatively impact” sick and vacation time. The union said Jefferson employees will also save money on health insurance costs thanks to changes to pediatric-care coverage.
“We’re trying to make Jefferson Einstein a more desirable place to work by enhancing our benefits,” said Jyll Kurczewski, a registered nurse in Einstein’s emergency department and the Einstein union’s co-president, in a statement.
“There are many healthcare networks in the area where RNs can choose to work. We want them to want to be at Einstein and to stay at Einstein.”
A Jefferson spokesperson said that wages and benefits in the contract are “consistent with Jefferson’s compensation philosophy and include the support we provide to all the dedicated professionals who deliver exceptional patient care every day.”
