PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Nurses and other members of the health care workers union at Temple University Hospital voted late Friday to authorize a strike if a contract is not reached in time.
The PA Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals stated 98% of their members voted to approve the strike after 2,600 workers reported feeling unsafe on the job.
According to their statistics, 67% of nurses, technicians, and health care professionals have personally experienced violence working at Temple Main.
They are asking for more security and safety measures, but say Temple is ignoring their demands.
"They need to understand that we really, really, really want the right thing for both the staff and the patients, and that's all we're asking,” said Vyra Moss-Vargas, who works in the hemodialysis unit.
Their contract expires on Sept. 30.
Temple Health says the safety of its patients and staff is a top priority, and officials feel the negotiations have been “productive.”