Local 5004 Re-opener Update: November 8, 2022

On December 16th, it will be a year since we first asked EHMC administration to reopen the nursing contract. We have reiterated our concerns and our request at every monthly Joint Nurse Practice Council (JNPC) meeting. Our intent is to propose several initiatives to retain and recruit nurses.

Unfortunately, not one EHMC administrator is interested in meeting with the elected representatives of EHMC’s 600 plus nurses. Collectively as a Union we have:

• sent petitions, letters, and emails to W. Geller, CEO, Kathy Kaminsky, CNO, & Pat Wilson, Vice President Human Resources
• we have hand delivered our petition to reopen the contract to Kathy Kaminsky, CNO on July 11, 2022. She stated she would get back to us. She has not kept her word.
• we have had sticker days
• members have spoken with their managers in huddles

We are unsure of who is running EHMC. That is why we have sent a letter to the Chairman of the EH Board of Trustees and other officers. That letter is below.

Clearly, EH values OR Techs and Lactation Consultants as they have recently received an increase in wages. How is it that nurses are not valued?! The reason the community uses EH is for nursing care. Yet, nurses are rebuffed by this administration. We, the HPAE nurses are the reason EHMC has earned the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade ‘A’ and for the fifth year earned the Magnet Recognition Program for nursing excellence.

Read the LEB’s Letter to the Board of Trustees here.

WHERE IS EHMC ADMINISTRATION RECOGNITION OF THE NURSES!

Sincerely,

HPAE Local Leadership Team on behalf of HPAE Local 5004 Nurses
Alice Barden, President
Michele McLaughlin, Vice President
Betsy Ball, Secretary/Treasurer
Cathi Goldfischer, Health & Safety Chair
Elaine Van Buren-Rizzo, Professional Development Chair
Laura Symons, Communicator Co-Chair
Jane DiMasso, Communicator Co- Chair