Inspira Health Care Workers Threaten Strike Over Nurse-to-Patient Ratios in Contract Talks

Bridgeton, NJ — Health care workers at Inspira hospitals in Bridgeton and Vineland are prepared to strike if new contracts do not guarantee enforceable nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, the Health Professionals and Allied Employees union announced. Union negotiations with Inspira have continued for several weeks without reaching a deal. The current contracts expire Saturday, adding urgency to talks. Union leaders say chronic understaffing undermines patient safety and nurse well-being. They argue that safer nurse-to-patient ratios improve outcomes, reduce turnover, and ultimately benefit hospitals financially.
More than 80% of Local 5131 members, representing Inspira’s Cumberland County hospitals and Salem County’s Elmer facility, voted in favor of a strike, with 99% approving the action. Local 5621, representing workers at Inspira’s Mullica Hill and Woodbury facilities, reported a 97% strike authorization. Inspira maintains it has bargained in good faith over nine sessions and values its nursing staff. Local union presidents emphasize that Inspira is the primary health provider in much of South Jersey, with heavy patient demand. Staff shortages, they say, prevent nurses from delivering the standard of care patients require. Union representatives were scheduled to resume bargaining Wednesday, with potential strike action looming if staffing demands are not met.