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Nurses Strike at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Nearly 2,000 nurses went on strike Friday morning at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The union representing more than 1,700 nurses said it voted down a tentative agreement last week after months of failed contract negotiations. They walked off the job at 7 a.m.
Concerns About Short Staffing and Nurse Retention
The union says this is not a step members take lightly, but they have reached a breaking point, with short staffing as their top concern. They want the hospital to invest in recruiting and retaining nursing staff. Rising health insurance costs are also a concern for the members.
Current Contract Proposal Voted Down
Their most recent contract expired on June 13 following several months of bargaining. After voting down the current proposal, the hospital was given a 10-day strike notice. Members are specifically demanding an increase in the number of staff nurses for better stability and appropriate staffing levels.
Hospital’s Response and Operational Plan
In a statement, the hospital expressed its willingness to continue talking and reach a fair resolution to avoid the strike. They have accepted the union’s demands twice already. The hospital has also contracted an outside nursing agency to remain fully operational during the strike. This is the first nurses strike at the hospital since 2006.
