Local 5094 Rutgers Bargaining Update, April 30, 2026
As we continue negotiations for our new contract which takes effect after our current contract expires on June 30, 2026, we need your input and engagement to strengthen our position at the table.
Take the Member Survey (only if you haven’t already)
Your feedback directly shapes our proposals and strengthens our ability to advocate for what members need, as well as updates contact and location information. We would like to go to the table on Monday with as many member voices as possible. Survey link: https://go.rutgers.edu/31wt0kdd
Bargaining Update
During our session last week, Rutgers management kept us waiting in caucus–where we meet amongst ourselves without management– for over two hours and did not present any counterproposals. They asked clarifying questions about our proposals but have did not respond or agree to the changes we are seeking.
This week was no different; we continued to spend more hours in caucus than bargaining. Management did not have any counters to the 21 proposals presented by HPAE. This was despite stating they were not finished working on counterproposals during our last meeting and despite multiple weeks of prolonged caucuses of two hours or more.
Although our team was prepared, we withheld from presenting the economic proposals, as management has just yesterday responded to the information request sent 4 months ago (or provided any feedback to the non-economic proposals). This information is pertinent, especially regarding benefits and wages, and necessary in drafting our proposals.
As a sign of dissent, we collectively blocked our cameras to emphasize our unity in fighting for a strong contract. That means the items below remain our current proposals—and we still need management to respond and, we would argue, ultimately agree to them. And you as members to continue to put pressure on management.
Proposal Updates
Time Off & Leave:
- Increase vacation accrual by 0.25 with earlier eligibility
- Add Veterans Day and Election Day as holidays
- Include four floating religious holidays
- Expand bereavement leave from 3 to 5 days and broaden eligible family members
Compensation & Benefits:
- Compensation for degrees and certifications
- Elimination of parking fees
- Expand tuition remission to include spouses and legacy UMDNJ schools and units
We will be presenting economic proposals, including wages and additional compensation, in an upcoming session.
Full proposals are now available on our website and will be updated regularly. Click here to access the full proposals. You will need to be signed into the HPAE website to access them (use the <netID>@rutgers.edu form of your e-mail address for access; do not include a department subdomain as in “rwjms.rutgers.edu”).
What This Means
We have put forward strong proposals based on member input— but proposals alone do not win a contract. Rutgers must respond and negotiate–we will not negotiate with ourselves. Making this contract stronger depends on each of us doing our part to win. If you don’t know who is representing you on the Contract Action Team, it’s time for your department to decide who should, or to volunteer. Contact us to learn more!
Show Your Support
We are asking all members to demonstrate solidarity by:
- Wearing red or HPAE stickers on negotiation days
- Using the Zoom background in non-patient-facing meetings
- Consider hosting Solidarity Walks, or attend one near you
These actions matter. They show management that members are engaged, united, and paying attention. Collective action is also protected at the workplace. If you are told not to do something, follow your direction but report it to your union rep as soon as possible.
We will continue to provide updates as bargaining progresses. Thank you for staying informed and involved.
In Unity,
Local 5094 Committee on Negotiations and Contract Action Team