March 05, 2017
Nearly 400 health care professionals at a suburban Philadelphia hospital are on strike as contract negotiations continue.
Beginning Sunday morning at 6:45 a.m., nurses and technicians walked out of Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill. Meanwhile, the hospital is still open and fully staffed as part of a contingency plan in case of a work stoppage.
The nurses and technicians are members of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses & Allied Professionals, which represents 370 employees. Citing unfair labor practices, the union announced the strike will last two days to call for improved patient care.
With the hospital's for-profit owner refusing to negotiate over safe staffing & patient care, RNs & techs are on strike at DCMH. Solidarity! pic.twitter.com/tIWDB0bHAf
— PASNAP (@PennaNurses) March 5, 2017
The hospital, which is part of the Crozer-Keystone Health System, was acquired in July 2016 by Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings.
Hospital officials indicated that contract offers include "a competitive wage and benefit package that compares favorably to other hospitals in our region," noting nurses earn an average of $82,852 annually. The hospital also claims staffing levels are appropriate.
The union maintains safe staffing is the critical issue prompting the strike.
"Understaffed and overwhelmed everyday" says striking member at #DCMH. It's time for Prospect to hear us. #strike #nurses #union #Delco #1u pic.twitter.com/bRw2piVBeD
— PASNAP (@PennaNurses) March 5, 2017
