Local 5091 Membership Update, May 19, 2020
This has been and continues to be such a stressful time for all of us. The shortage of proper PPE and the failure of management to properly test-fit and train staff has affected Healthcare workers across the Country — especially in the Northern New Jersey/New York area. We want you to know that your local Union officers have been fighting for proper PPE, fit testing and training at New Bridge Medical Center; to make sure all healthcare workers have access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and that they are properly trained in safety protocols regarding COVID-19.
We have also been demanding extra pay in recognition of the risks we face at the local level and from our elected leaders. HPAE had a Statewide Virtual Townhall last week with Senator Cory Booker – who committed to making federal funding for Hero Pay a priority in the next round of Pandemic Relief.
At New Bridge, we demanded a 25% increase for all members – we are all on the front lines – every member is caring for COVID+ or potentially COVID+ patients every day. Management claimed that they did not have the funds for such an increase — they told us it was this or nothing. For now, we all received:
- 8.5% increase in pay; (for a member earing $40/hr this equals $3.40 per hour and
- $136 per week and $544 per month).
- Double time for overtime hours worked
This was retroactive to March 15th.
We know this is not enough and we will continue to fight for more – on both the local, state and national levels.
Bringing member’s issues to management and fighting for the rights of our members is something we continue to do daily. We are all in this together: As a union, our strength is our Unity.
Please make sure to document any exposures you have on the job by filling out an incident report and send an email to sschicker@hpae.org. Any work acquired illness, including covid-19, should be a worker’s comp claim. Make sure to notify HR and HPAE if you have any issue getting claim covered.
If you have any concerns, please bring them to any of the Local Officers – we always encourage input from the members. HPAE updates https://www.hpae.org
Sincerely,
Jeff Peck, President, Local 5091
On behalf of the Local 5091 Executive Board:
Delfina Guevara
Bob Davis
Joanna Sudol
Carol Quinn
Carol Fitzsimmons