PASNAP Press Release

Today, nurses and other healthcare professionals at Fair Acres Geriatric Center voted 125 to 70 in favor of forming a union with the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP). The election, conducted by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, was held at Fair Acres with 85% of eligible employees voting.

“This is a great victory for nurses and the residents of Fair Acres. We care deeply about our residents. We know what our patients need and it is our responsibility to advocate for them. By having a union, we can address patient care concerns like staffing. And, we can work on issues of respect so that nurses can deliver the best possible care,” said Carol Dougherty, RN.

Fair Acres Geriatric Center is a county-run facility managed by the Delaware County Council.

Bill Cruice, Executive Director of PASNAP, said, “At a time when the nursing shortage is getting worse because of worsening working conditions, more and more nurses are organizing themselves to win a voice on the job. This organizing victory by the dedicated nursing staff at Fair Acres represents a trend that is only going to grow stronger over the next couple years. Nurses are being required to work harder—physically, intellectually and emotionally—at a time when many nurses are leaving the profession while the aging population places more demands on the system. Forming a union is a natural response to this ‘perfect storm,’” said Cruice.

Debbie Lock, LPN, a nurse for 8 years, said, “Those of us who have worked here for many years know how conditions have deteriorated for staff and residents alike. With our union, now we can sit down and discuss needed improvements with management. It’s a great feeling to know we’ll be listened to.”

Next steps for the newly formed union at Fair Acres will be an election of a broad-based negotiating committee and the beginning of contract negotiations, probably within the next few weeks.