Temple University Hospital meeting with PASNAP concludes without contract agreement

At the state mediator's request, Temple University Hospital negotiators met today with representatives of PASNAP, the union that represents the Hospital's nurses and allied-health professionals.  

Today's negotiation session concluded without a contract agreement.

"It is disappointing to us that, once again, PASNAP leadership has refused to recognize the economic and market realities that support our last, best and final offer," said Sandy Gomberg, Chief Executive Officer of Temple University Hospital.  "Instead, PASNAP offered a comprehensive off-the-record proposal that was too far apart from our implemented last, best and final offer."

When PASNAP members walked out on strike on March 31st, Temple University Hospital implemented the terms and conditions of its last best and final offer.  TUH nurses who have returned to work are doing so under terms and conditions which include:

• A 4% wage increase over three years – on top of an average rate of nearly $40/hour;  
• Additional automatic 'step' increases, from 2% to 10%, based on years of experience;
• A choice among three health-benefit plans in which Temple University Hospital contributes 75% to 90% of the premium;
• An employer-paid pension contribution of up to 8-1/2 percent;
• Employee tuition reimbursement; and
• Bonuses of up to $2,000 a year for nursing certifications.

Since July 2009, Temple University Hospital has been bargaining in good faith with PASNAP to reach a settlement – having met with the union on 32 separate occasions since the bargaining sessions began nearly 10 months ago.  

On March 31, 2010, PASNAP leadership led its members to strike against Temple University Hospital.  

Since the strike began 17 days ago, TUH has continued to provide uninterrupted quality care to its patients by activating its Continuing Operations Plan – in which Temple's 400 physicians direct patient care and are assisted by a fully-qualified and licensed temporary nursing, technical and professional workforce, as well as 3,000 other non-striking Hospital employees.

"Our highest priority remains the provision of uninterrupted, quality care to our patients," said Gomberg.  "That's our top priority, and that's non-negotiable."

SOURCE Temple University Hospital