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Local 5094 Rutgers Bargaining Update, April 16, 2026

We have the first of many updates regarding negotiations for our contract that expires June 30th, 2026. Negotiations began 4/13, and we likely have a long road ahead. During this session, HPAE members on the negotiations committee presented 19 non-economic proposals to Rutgers management, with additional proposals pending. These proposals were crafted in response to your feedback from the member survey. Good job to everyone that responded so far.  We heard you, and are focused on improving protections, working conditions, and transparency and fairness across our organization. Key proposals include:

Job Securities/Staffing /Protections from Barnabas Privatizations

  • PROTECTING UNIT WORK IN THE EVENT OF ANY SALE OR CONSOLIDATION (including RWJ Barnabas Hospital, Medical School Mergers, public or private companies)
  • STRONGER LAYOFF PROTECTIONS
  • INTERNAL PROMOTIONS AND TRANSFER PRIORITY PROCESS
  • CLARITY ON RECLASSIFICATION AND JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Tuition Remission

  • Expanding tuition remission to include spouses and legacy UMDNJ units and/or schools

Respect at Work from Management

  • IMPROVED LANGUAGE AROUND COMP TIME AND STATE OF EMERGENCY LANGUAGE
  • STRONGER GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Economic proposals will be presented on 4/20 and include Increased Wages, Parking, Vacation. Expanding holidays

Some proposals that are for the good of workers across Rutgers will be presented alongside the Coalition of Rutgers Unions at a future date, including: Flexwork, Biometrics, Health Care, Workplace Safety

We are also asking for members to advocate to stop proposed cuts to public programs in the NJ FY 2027 Budget. HPAE members are urging NJ Legislators to fully fund Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, University Hospital, and to reinstate funding for the Child Abuse Research Education Services (CARES) program. Join them in this fight! Click here to send a letter to your NJ Legislators!

Join us Weekly Membership Updates on  Fridays after Bargaining 1-145PM
First two 4/17 & 4/24 Same link
Register https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ke_BJ1jSTty2RvrOwtAxLw

This is a critical moment for all of us to stand strong and demonstrate our unity. Our collective voice is essential as we continue advocating for a stronger workplace for our workers, our patients, our students, and our futures. Thank you for all your hard work.  We are already seeing gains from the solidarity of our members.  Rutgers management has given us dates, every Monday for the next eight weeks.  This is an improvement from bargaining the last contract. Continue to wear red, wear stickers, and use the zoom background.  Every member makes us stronger, whether you aren’t able to do more than pay dues, or if you’re able to join a committee, or even become a rep, thank you for your contribution to this fight and we hope to see you in solidarity throughout the next few months.

Member Survey Link: https://go.rutgers.edu/31wt0kdd

In Unity,

Local 5094 Committee on Negotiations and Contract Action Team