Nurses at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, N.J., and Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, N.J., have ratified a new contract with Neptune-based Meridian Health, according to an Associated Press report published by The Daily Journal.
Here are five things to know about the contract.
1. The nurses, represented by the Health Professionals and Allied Employees union, ratified the 21-month contract Monday.
2. The union said the contract includes pay increases and significant improvements in staffing and working conditions at Southern Ocean and Jersey Shore hospitals, according to the report.
3. HPAE has withdrawn an unfair labor practice charge it filed with the National Labor Relations Board against Meridian Health as part of the agreement, according to the report. The charges were filed against the hospitals after they allegedly threatened nurses who used social media to post support of unions during contract negotiations. According to the report, hospital officials have agreed to put together a new social media policy.
4. Nurses ratified the contract just days after reaching a tentative contract with Meridian Health.
5. The contract goes into effect immediately.
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