Approximately 1,500 unionized nurses are bringing in a federal mediator to join their negotiations with Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health.
The nurses, represented by Health Professionals and Allied Employees, are from Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, N.J., and Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, N.J. Their decision to bring in a federal mediator comes after they voted to authorize a strike last week.
Nurses plan to continue negotiations, with a federal mediator present, until the end of this month. Nurses will work to reach a labor deal by that time, but if they don't, they will decide whether to call a strike, the union said. Nurses would have to give the hospital at least 10 days notice before a strike could occur.
HPAE said nurses are negotiating for "improvements in staffing levels, health insurance coverage and lower costs, and protections for all healthcare workers who raise concerns for patient safety and working conditions."
Nurses are in their first contract negotiations since Hackensack (N.J.) University Health Network and Neptune-based Meridian Health merged last year. Negotiations are scheduled for Friday and, if both sides don't reach a labor deal, for Monday as well.
In the meantime, HMH remains optimistic that both sides will reach an agreement.
"We continue to negotiate in good faith with HPAE. We remain optimistic the labor contracts for the 1,500 nurses at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Southern Ocean Medical Center will be settled soon," the health system said in an emailed statement to Becker's Hospital Review.
More articles on human capital and risk:
Nomad Health nurse staffing tool takes cue from online dating sites
Mayo Clinic nurses in Albert Lea, Austin reach labor deal
NewYork-Presbyterian sees backlash over ties to furniture company