Nurses' Union Reaches Contract Agreement With Southern Ocean Medical Center, Jersey Shore

The union representing roughly 1,500 nurses at both Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin and Jersey Shore University Center in Neptune has reached a contract agreement with hospital officials just days before they were set to go on strike, according to app.com.

Nurses in the Health Professionals and Allied Employees union last week said they would walk off their jobs by Aug. 10 without a new contract that would improve staffing levels and their health insurance plans.

The nurses are expected to vote on the contract ratification on Wednesday.

“Throughout negotiations our locals were determined to remain united in demanding safety standards and protections for all workers at every hospital," said Kendra McCann, president of the Health Professionals and Allied Employees Local 5058 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "This contract moves us in the right direction so every nurse can speak up for patient safety.”

The contract expired on July 31. Nurses would have worked up to Aug. 10 before striking.

"These agreements will enable the hospitals to continue to deliver safe, high quality care for patients and provide fair, competitive wages and benefits, safe staffing, and a positive environment for our team members," Hackensack Meridian Health said in a prepared statement.

To read the entire story, click here.

Photos: Southern Ocean Medical Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center