Philly Hospital Nurses Authorize Strike; Union Claims Jefferson Compromising Patient Care

PHILADELPHIA — Nurses at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike as contract negotiations between the hospital and the nurses' union continue.

Ninety-six percent of the union's members voted in favor of authorizing a strike on Monday, according to union representatives. The vote gives union leaders authority to call a strike if they deem it necessary.

A strike authorization vote does not automatically trigger a walkout, and no strike date had been announced as of Tuesday.

The nurses are represented by Einstein Nurses United — an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP), which represents about 1,200 nurses at the North Philadelphia hospital.

If the union's bargaining committee calls a strike, a 10-day notice is required under federal law.

Contract talks have centered on staffing levels, wages, benefits, worker retention and the future of health care services in the communities served by the North Philadelphia hospital.

"The overwhelming strike authorization vote reflects the deep concern Einstein nurses have for their patients, their hospital, and their community," a PASNAP spokesperson told Patch. "No nurse takes this step lightly, and no nurse wants a strike."

Union members have argued that chronic staffing shortages and service reductions are affecting patient care and putting additional pressure on frontline workers in an underserved part of the city.

Nurses have also publicly opposed Jefferson Health's plans to close four pediatric practices and transition three others to a separate provider, saying the changes could reduce access to care for vulnerable families in North Philadelphia.

Union members also want improved access to critical resources so they don't need to bring in their own supplies.

A Jefferson spokesperson emailed Patch the following statement:

“We are disappointed that PASNAP has voted to authorize a strike. This action risks putting disruption ahead of patients and community members. While a strike is not imminent, this vote sends the wrong message at a time when our community needs stability, partnership, and a shared commitment to care—especially as Philadelphia prepares to host major national and global events that will place increased demand on our healthcare system."

But PASNAP says stable, quality care requires safe staffing, patient safety, workplace security and protecting wages and benefits to retain experienced nurses — issues the union says it's been raising for months.

"The real disruption to patient care is chronic understaffing, inadequate resources, and policies that make it harder to recruit and retain nurses," a PASNAP spokesperson said. "Einstein nurses voted to authorize a strike because they are fighting to prevent those disruptions from becoming the norm."

Negotiations with Jefferson management remained underway Tuesday and are scheduled to continue on Wednesday.