Recognizing the importance of both the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Health Professionals (PASNAP) and Temple University Hospital, and urging both parties to achieve an agreement that is fair to all parties and that ensures the continuing delivery of quality care for patients.

WHEREAS, Philadelphia City Council is deeply concerned about the current labor strike at Temple University Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Temple University Hospital is a vital healthcare provider and employer for North Philadelphia and the surrounding Philadelphia region; and

WHEREAS, The nurses and allied professionals who are represented by PASNAP provide vitally important services to the patients and communities served by Temple University Hospital; and

WHEREAS, The nurses and allied professionals of PASNAP along with Temple University Hospital provide approximately $136 million in community service to the City of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Temple University Hospital employs nearly 5,000 people, of which about 3,000 are represented by various AFL-CIO affiliated labor unions, including 1199C, the Health Professionals and Allied Employees and the International Union of Operating Engineers, and PASNAP; and

WHEREAS, PASNAP was formed in May 2000 in order to focus on nurses issues and to fight for quality patient care. Today PASNAP represents about 5,000 nurses and other professionals at hospitals statewide; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia depends on Temple's nurses and allied professionals to provide the quality, compassionate care for which they are known; and

WHEREAS, It is in the best interest of the City that both PASNAP and Temple University Hospital engage in steadfast, good faith negotiations to reach an equitable agreement.

RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Philadelphia, on behalf of the people of Philadelphia, urge Temple University Hospital and the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Health Professionals to engage in good faith negotiations to reach an agreement that is fair to all parties, that ensures uninterrupted access to quality care, and that sustains the breadth of healthcare services for which the citizens of Philadelphia depend.

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