County Prison Nurses Organize Union to Demand Respect and Recognition

Thornton , PA -- The Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants who work for Delaware County 's George W. Hill Correctional Facility voted unanimously to form a union with the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, Pennsylvania 's professional nurses' union. The National Labor Relations Board conducted the election, which concluded on the evening of September 1.

The key issues driving the health care professionals to organize include staffing and safety concerns, as well as substandard benefits and working conditions that have led to high turnover of health professional staff.

Nurse Practitioner Kathy Haydamacha said of the election victory, "I'm proud that 100% of the registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants have voted to join PASNAP. Now we will have a voice in every decision that affects our working environment and the care we deliver."

PASNAP already represents the Registered Nurses at two other Delaware County facilities, Crozer Chester Medical Center and Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital , comprising about a fifth of the union's statewide membership of 5,000.

The management of prison health services is contracted out to The Geo Group, a private company based in Boca Raton , Florida . Earlier this year, non-professional prison employees successfully organized with the Teamsters Union.

The members of the new PASNAP local will work with PASNAP staff members to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the GEO Group.

PASNAP , the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, represents 5,000 Registered Nurses and other professionals at hospitals statewide, including Crozer Chester Medical Center, Temple University Hospital, Temple Northeastern Hospital, Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Mercy Suburban Hospital, and Lower Bucks Hospital. Editor's Note: For more information about PASNAP , go to www.pennanurses.org .