HPAE kicked off the 2008 convention on Thursday, October 2nd. Over 200 members and guests attended. The morning session opened with a panel discussion on "HPAE's Accomplishments in 2008 and our challenges in 2009. The panel was made up by Donna Benjamin, President Local 5185; Kate Grohe, President Local 5118; Michele McLaughlin, President Local 5004; Ryan Novosielski, UMDNJ Pros, Local 5094; HPAE Public Policy Director Jeanne Otersen and moderator by HPAE Education Director Mike Slott. 

Kim Bailey, Senior Health Policy Analyst, FAMILIES USA, Claudia Storick, Local 5105 VP and Jeanne Otersen lead the members in a discussion on healthcare reform and the need for a national program.

Chanting, "UMD hear what we say, we won't take a cut in pay," over 500 union members rallied during their lunch break on September 16th  on the UMDNJ Newark campus at the corner of 12th and Bergen Street to protest management's proposal to cut wages in the current negotiations. Click here to see pictures from the rally on our Flickr page.

 

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