The Philadelphia Business Journal has reported the following on the Temple Nurse’s strike.

Union members have been working without a contract since September. PASNAP officials have accused Temple of “bad faith bargaining” and said the strike was over issues including wages, staffing levels and a so-called gag clause that they say prevents union members from speaking publicly about the hospital.

Sandra L. Gomberg, interim executive director and CEO of Temple University Hospital, said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon that the medical center has replacement workers for the striking PASNAP members.

Gomberg said the two sides remain far apart on wages.

She said the hospital’s “last, best” offer — rejected by the union Monday night — called for no increase for the nurses in the first year of a four-year deal, followed by annual increases of 2, 2 and 2.5 percent. Gomberg said the union is seeking increases of 3, 3.5, 4 and 4 percent over the four years.

According to Gomberg, Temple nurses earn on average $39.80 an hour, which she said is among the highest rates in the city. She said the union’s demands don’t reflect the current economic environment.

Gomberg also took issue with the union’s description of the “gag clause,” which she said applies only to union officials who have repeatedly made disparaging comments about the hospital during the contract negotiation process.

Temple University Hospital officials Thursday morning invited its striking employees to return to work, under the terms of the medical center’s last offer.

“We will also continue to make ourselves available to meet with union officials in order to achieve a ratified agreement and be able to put this labor dispute behind us,” said Gomberg.