Health Workers Reach Tentative Agreement With Temple U. Health System

PHILADELPHIA (CBS ) — Some 1,600 nurses and related healthcare workers for Temple University Health System have reached a tentative contract settlement, months ahead of the expiration of their current contract.

The members of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals issued a joint statement with Temple Hospital announcing the tentative, multi-year contract.

Voting by the rank and file is scheduled throughout the day tomorrow at separate union meetings.

Jerry Silberman, a spokesman for PASNAP, says both sides agreed not to discuss terms of the deal pending its ratification.

“The fact that we were able to settle early is indicative of the fact that there is a better relationship, much better relationship, between the parties,” he said today.

The Temple nurses and healthcare workers staged a contentious, month-long strike in April 2010 which saw the hospital bring in replacement workers to fill several positions.

Silberman says he anticipates that details of the new pact will be released sometime late Thursday night or early Friday.

Source: CBS Philly