Picketing delayed as Inspira nurse contract negotiations extended

The nurse contracts expired in May and the nurses union planned on picketing in front of Inspira hospitals this week.

Bargaining for Inspira Health Network's nurses was extended to the end of the week, but Inspira and the unions are still in the midst of negotiations.

The nurses were planning to picket hospitals throughout the network Monday, but those plans have been put off for now while a mediator helps the parties in the dispute. The contract for the nurses expired last month.

"We still have a number of issues on the table that we are trying to work through so hopefully we will get some movement on the next few days," said Bridget Devane, public policy director for Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE).

Inspira offering home care through Bayada

The nurses are hoping to improve work conditions by setting a limit on how many patients the nurse will deal with -- ensuring that the nurse are not overwhelmed and that the patients get the care they need. The nurses also want to limit the use of overtime by Inspira to cover the staff shortages, along with fair pay and benefits.

"We are pleased that our discussions with HPAE have been productive and we have made significant progress toward reaching a contract that is fair for everyone," said Greg Potter, spokesman for Inspira, in a statement. "Both parties have agreed to extend the current collective bargaining agreements until June 10 in order to facilitate further negotiation. In addition, the union agreed to call off their scheduled informational picketing. We are scheduled to meet with HPAE again on June 7 where we will continue to negotiate in good faith."

HPAE represents 1,300 nurses in Inspira Health Network, which has hospitals in Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties.