Local 5089 Bargaining Update, December 13, 2021
On Tuesday, December 7th, HPAE met with management for another bargaining session. Management responded to our proposal related to an electronic version of a staffing form which would make it easier for members to report their staffing concerns in real time. In addition, it would make it easier for HPAE to analyze staffing trends that impact the ability to provide quality care to our patients. Furthermore, management has indicated a willingness to work on a few of the proposals that we’ve presented relating to staffing in future sessions such as: weekend program, a bonus shift incentive program, etc.
On the other hand, management is still insisting on their recently proposed concessions which they claim are needed so that the wages for our brothers and sisters that provide essential services for our patients such as housekeeping, unit secretaries, monitor techs, CNAs, etc can be increased to $15/hr. To be clear, again, HPAE has been on the front lines of the fight for a living wage in NJ for many years however any increase for other workers should not be at the expense of our members who continue to work tirelessly everyday to ensure that our patients receive the quality of care that they deserve.
Although, no tentative agreements were reached during this session, we still remain hopeful that we will reach some progress in the next session which is scheduled for Monday, December 20th. As always, If you would like more information on how you can participate or any other issue, please contact your local union rep or email dbaker@hpae.org for assistance.
In Unity,
HPAE Negotiations Committee
Banita Herndon, Cynthia Baez-Lugo, Wendy Bobcombe, Wanda Caudle, Joselino Ulanday, Dara Skinner