Healthcare workers at Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice in Mount Laurel, N.J., and Inspira Health in Mullica Hill, N.J., have voted to join the Health Professionals and Allied Employees in separate National Labor Relations Board elections.
The vote at Samaritan covers about 160 workers, including registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, nurse practitioners, field nurses, clinical educators, social workers, bereavement counselors, spiritual support counselors and music therapists, according to a March 18 union news release shared with Becker’s.
Of 122 ballots counted, 95 voted for union representation and 27 voted against, according to the NLRB. Seven ballots were challenged.
In a separate election, registered nurse case managers at Inspira Health’s medical centers in Vineland and Elmer, N.J., and a satellite emergency department in Bridgeton, N.J., which serves Cumberland and Salem counties, also voted to unionize.
Of 23 ballots counted, 21 voted for union representation and two voted against, according to the NLRB.
HPAE President Debbie White, RN, praised the results.
“These elections show tremendous solidarity and commitment,” Ms. White said in the release. “We congratulate them on the wins. Unions give workers a voice, and when healthcare workers have a greater voice in their workplace, patients always benefit.”
Samaritan shared the following statement with Becker’s: “We respect our employees’ decision, and we look forward to working with HPAE on an agreement that supports our commitment to provide the highest quality care for our patients and the best possible experience for our Samaritan team.”
An Inspira Health spokesperson told Becker’s in a statement: “We respect the employees’ decision and look forward to working toward an agreement with HPAE that supports our talented employees and ensures the continued delivery of high-quality care to the communities we serve.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated March 20.
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