Gag Clause At Issue In Hospital Strike

PHILADELPHIA - The Temple University Hospital nurses strike is stretching into a second day.

A total of 1,500 workers walked out Wednesday after months of failed contract negotiations.

The hospital has put a new offer on the table, but union officials say it's unacceptable because it still contains a clause that restricts members from speaking out against the hospital.

Nurses say that proposed contract "gag clause" would harm their ability to speak up about patient care.

Asked if it's something worth risking her job over, union president Maureen May said," Absolutely. I have done it before. I am willing to risk my job over speaking out to make a difference for the patient."

And she still can, according to hospital administrators. They wouldn't talk on camera about the measure, but they told Fox 29 News that the proposed clause would only prevent the union or a union representative from publicly disparaging or speaking ill of the hospital's business practices.

On the other hand, May said, "Corporate image seems to be more important at times than the patients' safety. They don't want the union to speak, but I'm a registered nurse for 25 years. I am a registered union nurse. I don't know how you separate that."