CHESTER, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A new contract for health care workers at Crozer-Chester Medical Center comes as the specter of a possible sale still hangs over the hospital, but employees hope it tackles some major concerns.
The newly ratified 1-year contract with Crozer Health boosts employee pay by at least 10%.
"We are one of the highest paid now, in the state, and again we're very proud of that. It was definitely necessary," said Peggy Malone, president of the hospital's nurses association. She says their new deal is a long time coming.
"They were willing to work with us, to get these rates up, knowing that what's good for the community is to get good quality staff into this building and to be able to give good care to our patients."
Malone, a nurse at Crozer-Chester for 35 years, says the deal was made in unison with other PASNAP union locals at the hospital, including paramedics, pharmacists and professionals. She believes it will help them address labor issues, such as staffing and compensation.
"We made a deal that if any of us didn't get what we felt was necessary for our members and for the community, we were all going to say no," she said.
The new contract arrives as the financially embattled Crozer Health system actively looks to sell the Chester hospital. Malone says it helps give their nurses security during this time.
"We know we need a really strong buyer to help rebuild this hospital for this community," she said. "Ultimately that will always be our goal, to take good care of these patients that we care about so much."
