Tentative deal averts nurses strike at two Jersey Shore hospitals

A strike appears to be averted by nurses at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune and Southern Ocean Medical Center in Stafford after a federal mediator helped Meridian Health and a union representing 1,200 nurses reach a tentative contract deal.

The Asbury Park Press reports the 21-month agreement reached by the two sides Thursday, will be voted on by employees Monday. The contract was due to expire Oct. 31.

The Health Professionals and Allied Employees union overcame a major sticking point by agreeing to keep and recruit qualified nurses at the two hospitals, according to the Asbury Park Press.

The union alleged Meridian Health was using unfair tactics in a complaint filed last week with the National Labor Relations Board. That led to a federal mediator being brought in, which resulted in the two sides resolving their differences.

Meridian is headquartered in Wall Township and is the Shore's largest employer with six hospitals. In addition to Jersey Shore and Southern Ocean, Meridian owns K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in Neptune, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel, and Ocean Medical Center, Brick.