The union representing nurses and other medical professionals at Saint Michael’s Medical Center ratified a three-year contract that provides fair wages, guarantees safe working conditions and offers expanded health benefits.
“We are thrilled that the rank-and-file members of the union approved what we believe is a fair contract proposal,” said Dr. Alan Sickles. “While it’s unfortunate that we could not have negotiated this agreement without a strike, we are looking forward to having our nurses and medical staff return to their jobs.”
The union, JNESO, called a strike on May 23. The union represents some 350 nurses, respiratory therapists, radiology techs, polysomnographic techs, and CV techs and other medical professionals.
During the strike, Saint Michael’s arranged for qualified staff to ensure the hospital remained open and fully functioning, continuing to care for inpatients and outpatients including elective surgery, cardiac catheterizations, and endoscopic procedures.
“It was important for us to remain open and fully functional during the strike because we provide a vital service to our community,” Dr. Sickles said. “Throughout the strike, our patients continued to receive the high-quality, safe healthcare that the community has come to expect from us.”
Saint Michael’s is the only hospital in Essex County to receive both an A in Patient Safety from the Leapfrog Group in its latest report card and a Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades for 2022.