Jersey City Council passes measure asking HRH to honor union contracts
Taken from the Hudson County View
By John Heinis
December 12, 2024
The resolution, which was a late addition to the agenda, was sponsored by Ward E Councilman James Solomon and co-sponsored by Council President Joyce Watterman and Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey.
“Healthcare workers are the backbone of our community. They provide essential care and support to our most vulnerable residents. This resolution is a critical step to ensure Hudson Regional Hospital recognizes the unions representing these dedicated professionals and honors the existing contracts,” Solomon said in a statement.
“These members include the incredible nurses and members of HPAE. Fair treatment and respect for healthcare workers are non-negotiable—our community depends on them.”
On Tuesday, Health Professionals and Allied Employees officials held a Zoom call alleging that HRH was trying to switch their insurance plans from Aetna to Cigna, which would double their premium costs, causing them to file a complaint, as only HCV reported.
“As Council President, I stand firm in supporting the collective bargaining rights of our healthcare workers in Jersey City and across Hudson County,” Watterman declared.
“The unions represent the backbone of our working-class communities, and their voices must be heard when it comes to the future of our hospitals. We call on HRH and all healthcare employers to honor existing contracts, respect workers’ rights, and ensure that any changes prioritize both the safety of our healthcare workers and the patients they serve.”
The Bayonne Medical Center, Christ Hospital in Jersey City, and the Hoboken University Medical Center are currently part of a deal that would include HRH to form Hudson Health System, which was moved forward when CarePoint filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
And while HRH announced they officially took over the Bayonne Medical Center late last month, they have a certificate of need hearing today before the State Health Planning Board in Ewing.
“We are grateful to Councilmember James Solomon, Council President Joyce E. Watterman and all the other members of the City Council for approving this resolution,” added HPAE President Debbie White.
“Now more than ever, we need to support these vital Hudson County hospitals and a resolution like this goes a long way to signaling that our elected officials support the union members who provide the care.”
White continued that HPAE represents 400 healthcare workers at Hudson Regional Hospital and has sent HRH administrators a recognition agreement that would guarantee they honor the HPAE union at Bayonne and their contract.
Thus far, HRH executives have refused to sign or even address the agreement, according to White.
“Instead, Bayonne members reported that people showed up at the hospital, claiming to be HRH administrators and telling our members that everyone will have to reapply for their jobs when the Bayonne takeover is complete, and that Hudson Regional does not have to recognize the contract. What kind of a savior is that?” she questioned.
The non-binding local legislation asks for the collective labor bargaining agreements of HPAE, AFSCME 1199J, JNESO, CIR to be honored.