Strike appears imminent at New Brunswick hospital after nurses' demands change

Demands by nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick appear to have changed since last week, and a strike now appears imminent. The nurses, who are among the highest paid in the state, are asking for more than the 3 percent increase that has been offered. They also want an outside health plan instead of free health care at the hospital. Many nurses say they live too far away from the hospital to travel back and forth for regular appointments. When word of the strike first came about, the nurses said it wasn?t about money. Instead, they said it was about the hospital?s health plan. In response, the hospital added 50 facilities around the state, as well as 50 doctors. At this point, however, the nurses say that is not good enough. Hospital officials say they are ready for a strike and have replacement nurses ready to work if there is a walkout. Related Information:Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital nurses set date for strike