Highland Park city council unanimously passes resolution supporting senate bill in favor of nurses

HIGHLAND PARK, NJ – Council members voted unanimously in support of Senate Bill No. S304/ Assembly Bill No. 4536, which would establish a more concrete staffing standard for hospitals, ambulatory surgery facilities, and certain DHS facilities in the area Tuesday night.

Nurses from RWJ Nurses United attended the council meeting in support of the bill. The Highland Park council is now the first city council to pass a resolution that supports the bill for safe staffing.

According to a press release from RWJ Nurses United, during the council meeting Council President Matthew Hersh stated, “It’s unbelievable what you are dealing with out there and you have our full support. Another way we can show our support is by passing resolutions for legislation that would require safe staffing.”

Sarah Caley, an interventional radiology nurse and Highland Park resident, was in attendance at the council meeting. She voiced her thoughts on the importance of community support for nurses, especially the ones who have been on the picket line.

“As more and more community members learn about the importance of safe staffing for both patient outcomes and the health and well- being of nurses, we are gradually gaining support and community allies who are committed to fight this fight alongside us,” said Caley. “No one learns about why we are striking and then concludes that this isn’t a worthwhile cause. We have so much gratitude for each and every person who has spoken up or acted on our behalf.”

More than 1,700 nurses have been on a labor strike since Aug. 4, asking for better nurse-to-patient ratio and wages.

By Olivia Gerling

Olivia is a contributor of The Central Observer, covering a variety of general news topics around the local New Jersey area. A seasoned public relations professional and former broadcast reporter, she writes about everything from government to crime and sports. She graduated from the Missouri School of Journalism in 2018 with an emphasis on television and broadcast reporting. Now, she spends her time using her journalism skills to pitch clients to media outlets and contribute to a variety of publications.