Crozer Nurses Ratify Contract, Avert Strike
DELAWARE COUNTY, Pa. (CBS) - A Strike was averted between the Crozer Chester Medical Center and its 700 registered nurses (see related story). Late Tuesday night, the nurses union ratified a new contract.
After four meetings Tuesday night, the final tally was 343-89 to ratify a new deal with Crozer.
PASNAP chief negotiator Bill Cruice says major strides were made after 20 hours of negotiations last Thursday, "We came back together on Sunday and were able to find the principal compromises that both we and the hospital were prepared to make to reach an agreement without a strike."
In the deal, Cruice says there are reasonable increases in health insurance costs, a guaranteed weekend work program and an average of about 10.5% of increases by 2013.
A new board will also be put together from nurses of each unit to improve staffing issues.
"We're gratified at the level of community support that was shown for the nurses at Crozer and we're satisfied with the final outcome."
Reported by Tim Jimenez, KYW Newsradio 1060
