Local 5138 Negotiation Update, February 26, 2025

On Feb. 25, 2025, HMH gave us their proposals. Instead of focusing on the staffing crisis and low pay HMH’s proposals aim to take member union rights by decreasing union representation and stating that the staffing at SOMC is “good.”

Answer this question: Do you think we are well staffed at SOMC? HMH said in negotiations:

“The staffing numbers are very good at this hospital … it beats other hospitals.”

Our short staffing forms (SSF) tell a different story. There are 17 SSF for February alone and the month is not even over, and we believe there are more that were not submitted. Those most affected by the lack of staff are our patients, nurses, and the community. Your HPAE negotiation team gave HMH great examples of the reality of our registered nurses and other staff working long hours exacerbated by a serious nursing shortage at SOMC.

We are asking that every nurse fill out a short staffing form (found in the HMH Intranet or the back of your unit HPAE binders) when your floor is working with less staff than you should be, including PCTs, patient observers, unit secretaries, tele monitors, housekeepers.

We met again on Feb. 26, 2025 and had continued discussions on current proposals from both sides. We will continue to meet HMH on issues important to our members in the next few days.

Next Negotiation Dates: March 3, 4, 13, 14

Upcoming Training Sessions:

Feb. 28, 2025: Strike School and Media Training. The Mainland at the Holiday Inn. 8 AM, 4 PM, and 8 PM.

WHY DO WORKERS STRIKE? WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THIS NOW? WHAT PROTECTIONS DO WE HAVE IF WE GO ON STRIKE?

To register: https://forms.gle/rJqMBg9N5v1tL6Xe6

In solidarity,

Your local 5138 Executive Board

Anna Pona, President
Colleen Pignatelli, Vice President

Sybil Schriever, Grievance Chair