Nurses Authorize Strike At Hospitals In NJ

MARLTON, NJ — Nurses are prepared to strike against Virtua Health if a new contract is not reached by May 31.

Nearly 100 percent of the local chapter of the Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE), the state's largest healthcare union, voted to approve a 10-day strike notice if unable to agree on new terms.

The vote represented 95 percent of those covered and a 96 percent "Yes" rate.

Along with better pay, a major issue left on the bargaining table is the inclusion of "Enforceable Safe Staffing" ratios.

"No one disputes that safe staffing saves lives," HPAE President Debbie White said. "The wealth of scientific research has made it abundantly clear that nurse-to-patient ratios improve patient outcomes, save hospitals money, and help recruit and retain nurses."

Virtua has resisted the mandates under an environment of nationwide staffing shortages, the need for greater operational flexibility, and financial challenges associated with meeting these system-wide requirements.

Healthcare systems, like Virtua, also like to allocate staff dynamically based on patient needs rather than being held to legal ratios.

Over the last two years, HPAE has agreed to 13 other contracts with health systems that include enforceable safe staffing ratios.

"Our nurses know that Virtua can no longer hide behind excuses. The fact is, Virtua has plenty of nurses to meet the staffing ratio we proposed," said Sheryl Mount, HPAE Local 5105 President.

More than 6,500 "Unsafe Staffing" complaints have been filed by members, according to the union.

"As a nurse at this hospital, I live it daily," Beth Cohen said. "I see all my colleagues' frustrations...who are burnt out and leaving bedside nursing."

New Jersey lawmakers have also taken action and introduced a bill, the "Patient Protection and Safe Staffing Act," that was pre-filed for introduction into the 2026 Assembly.

Under the act, minimum ratios, such as one registered professional nurse for every four patients on a medical/surgical unit, are outlined.

"So, why not Virtua?" Assemblyman Balvir Singh (LD-7) asked.

When asked by Patch for more on the potential stike, Virtua spokesperson Daniel Moise had this in response:

"Virtua Mount Holly is bargaining in good faith with HPAE and has put forward meaningful proposals to support a mutually agreeable contract. We are grateful to our nurses and all members of the care team for their dedication, and we remain committed to working together toward solutions that support caregivers and our patients."

Virtua Health is based in Marlton and operates five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, 42 ambulatory surgery centers, and more than 400 other sites.

In New Jersey, the HPAE and its bargaining team advocate for the fair treatment of more than 15,000 nurses and other healthcare professionals.

A recent report of hospital safety grades lists multiple Virtua facilities, and was completed by a national nonprofit organization that advocates for adequate patient care. Read More Here: Hospital Safety Rankings: See How Local Facilities Scored In South Jersey

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