Local 5097 contract negotiations update, May 22

Our HPAE Local 5097 Bargaining Committee held our third negotiating session with management yesterday (5/21/18), and continues fighting for quality and safety at the Harborage.

Management’s message: “We’ll have to get back to you.”

Who owns the Harborage?

As you have noticed on your paycheck, there has been a change in the name of our employer. Who is “HMH Residenial Care, Inc.”? Is that a spelling error? Who is “Palisades General Care, Inc.”? Our union Bargaining Committee has been demanding answers to these questions from our first session, but management has been unable or unwilling to provide an answer. How can we move forward with our contract negotiations if management can’t answer these simple questions?

On Staffing:

Our Union Committee continues to push for staffing that keeps members and residents safe. Management continues proposing that they no longer be obligated to fill any vacant housekeeping and laundry positions. Our committee drew attention to housekeepers being pulled for day watch duties, leaving housekeeping understaffed and creating health risks for our residents. The solution remains the same: properly staff housekeeping and resident care departments to ensure safety and quality in our facility.

The next negotiating sessions will be June 4th & 6th location TBA. Stay united and fight for the best possible contract for all our members. Be prepared to attend open negotiations in June to support our bargaining team.

Join the fight! Contract Action Team meetings:
Tuesday, May 29th – 1:30p, 3:30p, 4:30p, 7:30p
Homewood Suites (10 The Promenade, Edgewater)