Health
Temple University Hospital Nurses Vote to Authorize Strike

PHILADELPHIA – Nurses and healthcare professionals at Temple University Hospital have voted to authorize a strike just days before their current contract expires. On September 19, 98% of 2,600 members of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP) supported the action amid unresolved contract negotiations.
The vote follows a large informational picket where over 1,000 caregivers gathered to protest unsafe staffing conditions and proposed cuts to employee benefits. With contracts set to expire on September 30, union members are preparing to issue a 10-day strike notice if their demands are not met.
Marty Harrison, RN, president of the Temple University Hospital Nurses Association, expressed concerns regarding the hospital’s financial claims in a press release. ‘Temple says federal cuts to Medicaid will devastate its balance sheet,’ Harrison said. ‘But they’re spending tens of millions to buy out Holy Redeemer’s share of Chestnut Hill Hospital while neglecting the needs of frontline caregivers.’ He emphasized the need for investment in staff retention and recruitment to ensure patient safety.
Meanwhile, PASNAP President Maureen May, a registered nurse at the new Women & Families Hospital, discussed the union’s mission. ‘We want to heal our patients and our community,’ May said. ‘But we need a system that supports us.’ She expressed worry about potential Medicaid cuts increasing emergency room traffic and worsening conditions for both patients and staff.
Responding to the strike authorization, Temple Health stated that they feel discussions with the union are productive. ‘We’re confident this process will lead to a contract that does right by our employees and allows us to care for our patients effectively,’ a spokesperson said.
As the September 30 deadline approaches, the union remains poised to act, signaling a commitment to fighting for improved conditions and safety for healthcare professionals at Temple University Hospital.