Local 5089 University Hospital Contract Negotiations Update: August 21-23, 2024

We met on August 21st and 23rd to negotiate the new contract with University Hospital. The Bargaining Committee continues to advocate for all Nurses to secure a fair contract. See the highlights of the two sessions and ways in which you can get involved below.

WAGES UPDATE: UH PROPOSED LESS THAN 1% ACROSS THE BOARD INCREASES FOR STAFF NURSES

During our negotiations on Wednesday, University Hospital proposed 0.7% across-the-board increases for Staff Nurses and 2% raises for other, non-bedside Nurses. UH stands by their proposal to provide no substantial increases to Per Diem Nurses. With cost of living going through the roof in the last few years, this proposal would effectively provide our Nurses with no raises at all.

BENEFITS UPDATE: HOLIDAYS, LEAVES, INCLEMENT WEATHER, PARKING

UH stands by their idea to add Juneteenth to the calendar but only as a swap out for one float holiday, reducing our float holidays to 5. UH also believes that if you are designated as Blue during an emergency, it is appropriate for you to use time off to receive pay in case of a clinic closure or be salary-deleted if you have no more days off in your bank. Additionally, UH rejected our proposal for incremental use of NJ Sick Leave, which means Nurses can only use this state benefit in whole shifts and not hours for doctor appointments or parent-teacher conferences. As a result, 12-hour Nurses lose 4 hours of sick leave every year. Lastly, UH rejected our proposal to provide Nurses with free parking.

STAFFING UPDATE: The Hospital has made no move on safe staffing proposals.

IS THERE ANY GOOD NEWS?

Yes. After your Bargaining Committee advocated for Psych Nurses, UH proposed to provide them with a substantial annual clothing allowance. Additionally, we are working on a Clinical Ladder Program, which would provide an opportunity for additional money based on independent projects, gaining additional credentials, and other activities. The Hospital did propose an increase in the number of steps on the UB wage scale, but the step movement increase adds up to only 1.3%, which makes the total increase for Staff Nurses 2%.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

The Bargaining Team works tirelessly to pass well-written proposals across the table and present arguments to support them. But UH Management needs to know that all Nurses support these proposals. If you believe the Nurses deserve more, be on the lookout for a Petition in Support of the 5089 Bargaining Team that we will be distributing soon. We also invite all Nurses to attend the HPAE Solidarity Rally on September 18th between 12pm and 2pm on the corner of 12th and Bergen.

As always, we are also looking for more Contract Action Team members. You can sign up under this link: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/local-5089-uh-contract-action-team-signup/

In Solidarity,

HPAE Local 5089 Negotiations Team:
Banita Herndon HPAE President, Cynthia Baez-Lugo HPAE Treasurer, Wendy Bobcombe HPAE Secretary, Joe Ulanday, Wanda Caudle HPAE Vice-President UH-Med-Surg Division, Dara Skinner HPAE Vice President Perioperative Services