Historic HPAE Victories!!

As you have no doubt heard, the members at Cooper Hospital (Local 5118) as well as two other HPAE locals have overwhelmingly ratified historic contracts with their employers that establish staffing ratios that are enforceable through the grievance and arbitration process. At Cooper, in addition to significant wage increases and stronger staffing language across the board, they were able to win:

• Average 1:4/5 ratio for all medical surgical, telemetry and oncology units. Ratios cannot go above 1:5
• 1:2 ratio for Critical Care patients. Wherever the critical care patient is located, the ratio is 1:2

But these victories did not happen without significant actions that made it clear to Cooper Hospital that the local was ready to strike to win enforceable ratios:

• The local held a leafletting event with over 275 members taking a stand outside the hospital
• They consistently packed the negotiations room with up to 180 members in Red Tee Shirts demanding enforceable ratios

As we look toward our next contract fight in 2026, let’s remember that it will take this same kind of unity and participation to win these gains in our hospital. We encourage everybody to start getting more involved in your union. Our next full member event will be our education day on September 23, 2024 (click here to register). Come out to learn about best practices in social media, and talk to our LEB about ways you can help build our Union as we prepare for 2026.

In solidarity,

Sheryl Mount
President, HPAE Local 5105