Local 5089 University Hospital Contract Negotiations Update: September 12, 2024
On September 12, we met with University Hospital to continue negotiating over our contract, which is set to expire at the end of the month. Management began the session by presenting us with data that shows consistent commitment to hiring more nurses. However, when it came to discussing staffing ratios, the management team presented a proposal that falls short of our expectations.
One of our Bargaining Committee members, Wendy Bobcombe, shared a heartbreaking story of when she was unable to get to a patient on time because of short staffing, which resulted in the patient wetting themselves. This is, unfortunately, a reality for many nurses across University Hospital—we want to go above and beyond for our patients, but instead, we are told do the best that we can. Maria Brennan, Chief Nursing Officer, responded to Wendy insinuating that she witnessed nurses not doing enough even when staffing is adequate.
While Management moved their wages proposal from 0.7% to 1.2% across-the-board for Staff Nurses and 2% to 2.5% for non-bedside nurses, the proposal is nowhere near what we are looking for.
We did receive responses to all bargaining proposals that we put on the table, and we are looking forward to our session on Friday the 13th.
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, sign the petition in support of our proposals here.
Come to the HPAE Solidarity Rally on September 18th between 12pm and 2pm on the corner of 12th and Bergen. RSVP to the rally here.
As always, we are also looking for more Contract Action Team members. As a CAT member, you are responsible for talking to co-workers about latest bargaining updates and Union actions. You can sign up here.
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