The Health Professionals and Allied Employees, which represents the 120 RNs, said negotiations began this week, more than five years after the workers first voted to unionize.
The RNs voted in September 2010 to join HPAE. However, court challenges by the hospital delayed both sides coming to the bargaining table, according to the report.
In December, the Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., sided with the RNs and upheld an order for negotiations to begin, according to the report.
“We have waited over five years to have a seat at the table, and our bargaining committee is more committed than ever to win safe staffing, improved working conditions, and fair wages,” Pamela Thomas, RN, who has worked at the hospital 11 years, said, according to the report.
The hospital also commented on the negotiations.
“We respect the D.C. Circuit Court’s decision. Representatives of The Memorial Hospital of Salem County have begun negotiations with the Health Professionals and Allied Employees Local 5142 (HPAE) towards an initial bargaining agreement,” the hospital said, according to NJ.com.
HPAE spokeswoman Bridget Devane said negotiations are expected to last several months before an agreement is reached, according to the report.
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