Temple nurses vote on contract

Nurses from Temple University Hospital are voting today on a new contract that could return them to work after a month of striking. WHYY’s health and science reporter Kerry Grens has an update on the union’s progress.

Nurses from Temple University Hospital are voting today on a new contract that could return them to work after a month of striking. WHYY’s health and science reporter Kerry Grens has an update on the union’s progress:

Members of the nursing union gave each other high fives and hugs outside the Fraternal Order of Police in Philadelphia after voting on the new contract.

Patty Eakin, the union president, says members are excited to vote – and that the terms of the contract seem fair.

Eakin: I think people are generally very satisfied with the contract and are looking forward to going back to work and taking care of our patients.

Eakin wouldn’t disclose details of the contract until all members have voted. They’re set to wrap up later this evening.

Nurses began striking in March after working under an expired contract for several months.

Until now, Temple Hospital and the nurses union could not agree upon new terms for health care costs, tuition benefits, and a rule that would prohibit the union from publicly disparaging the hospital.