Temple nurses and technicians secure new contract agreement, preventing planned strike.
Hundreds of nurses and technicians at Temple University Hospital ratified a new three-year contract over the weekend, which includes notable pay increases and enhanced security measures, thereby averting a potential five-day strike that was set to commence on Monday morning. The planned strike would have incurred significant costs for Temple, as it would have necessitated hiring temporary staff to maintain operations.
This newly agreed-upon contract marks a triumph for the nursing and technical staff at Temple, who have been advocating for improved safety provisions and comprehensive staff training amid accounts of workplace violence, including physical assaults on staff members. The agreement concludes weeks of rigorous negotiations involving union representatives from the Temple University Hospital Nurses Association (TUHNA) and Temple University Allied Health Professionals (TAP).
The contract extends coverage to approximately 1,600 nurses and 1,000 other health care professionals, including social workers and pharmacists. The majority of these staff members operate at Temple’s main hospital located in North Philadelphia, as well as at the Temple Women & Families Hospital situated in the Crescentville neighborhood.
As part of the agreement, both the hospital administration and union leaders expressed a shared commitment to enhancing workplace safety for medical professionals. Significant safety improvements include the installation of weapons detection systems at Temple Women & Families Hospital within 120 days, a move aimed at bolstering security for both staff and patients. This measure aligns with existing protocols at the main hospital. Furthermore, the contract mandates the presence of certified protection officers to intervene during violent incidents and the establishment of functional panic buttons, surveillance, and emergency alert systems.
The hospital publicly stated that the contract reflects a mutual commitment to equitable terms, acknowledging the extraordinary efforts of employees while supporting Temple Health’s mission to deliver safe and high-quality care to the communities it serves. Following the ratification, nearly 90% of TAP members and 87% of TUHNA members expressed their approval of the contract, a clear signal of widespread support among union members. Both unions belong to the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP), which played a pivotal role in the negotiations.
Participants emphasized that the overarching goal of the negotiations was the safety and well-being of patients, alongside improving conditions for caregivers. Ultimately, the contract secures wage increases of 3.25%, 3.25%, and 3% over the span of the three-year period, reflecting the dedication of hospital staff to ensure exceptional care for patients in their charge.
